Job Description:

We are looking for enthusiastic Science and Engineering undergraduates who enjoy solving complex problems to join our highly skilled team as part of a 12-month Industrial Placement. 

This placement will give you the opportunity to gain practical experience in real-world projects while working alongside talented engineers and contributing to the development of advanced systems for fast jets, UAVs, land, and naval platforms.

The Opportunity

Leonardo’s Industrial Placement programme offers a paid placement (£25,000) to develop your knowledge and skills you require to become an engineering or business professional of the future.

Our Industrial Placement Programme is designed for students partway through their degree. You will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working on innovative projects that contribute to our business and technical solutions.

The programme provides a wealth of development opportunities in both virtual and applied working environments. You will be part of a collaborative team, receive mentoring from subject matter experts, and gain access to development platforms like Coursera & LinkedIn, with over 4,000 courses aligned with your personal and professional interests.

At Leonardo we value individuals who continuously demonstrate a dedication to their personal development, and successful completion of an Industrial Placement with Leonardo can lead to an offer on our Graduate Development Programme.  

We are looking for highly motivated individuals who are willing to take on a challenge to fill our industrial placement roles. If you are willing able to commit to giving your best performance, you will find Leonardo a very rewarding place to work!  

What you will do as Firmware/FPGA Industrial Placement Student

You will get the opportunity to develop lifelong skills with the support of world class experts in their field:

• Develop firmware solutions using VHDL/Verilog for FPGA-based systems to support complex signal processing and communications functions
• Work on the integration of firmware designs with mixed-signal systems in collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Test and validate designs in the lab to ensure high performance in harsh operational environments
• Gain experience with industry-standard tools and methodologies while learning from experienced professionals
• Contribute to technical reviews, which may include travel within the UK or abroad

We work in a modern, flexible environment and will accommodate your personal needs wherever possible.

Key Responsibility Areas

• Design and develop firmware solutions for FPGA-based systems to meet performance and system requirements.
• Test and evaluate firmware in laboratory environments, refining designs to optimize functionality.
• Work with other teams to integrate firmware solutions into larger hardware and software systems.
• Document design and testing results, sharing knowledge and insights with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Contribute to continuous improvements in FPGA and firmware development processes.

Skills, Qualifications & Knowledge Required

We are looking for students who are passionate about hardware design and eager to learn and develop in a practical, hands-on environment.

• Education: You should be studying towards a degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, or Computer Science, with an interest in firmware/FPGA design
• Skills and Interests: Basic knowledge of FPGA/firmware design is advantageous but not essential. We provide all necessary training and mentoring
• Teamwork and Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to problem-solving, with excellent teamwork and communication skills. Willingness to collaborate and grow in a dynamic environment

Please note that in order to apply for this opportunity you must be eligible for UK Security Clearance. Normally this is to the level of Security Check (typically known as “SC”) for our business which includes having a minimum of five years permanent residency in the UK.

Life at Leonardo

With a company funded benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and a flexible approach to working hours focused on the needs of both our employees and customers, a career with Leonardo has never offered as many opportunities or been more accessible to as many people

• Flexible Working: flexible working arrangements
• Company funded flexible benefits: Access to private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance)
• Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays, option to buy/sell leave and to accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year
• Pension: Award winning pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution)
• Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme with access to free mental health support, financial wellbeing support and network groups to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to diversity & inclusion (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Reservists, Carers)
• Lifestyle: Discounted Gym membership, Cycle to work scheme
• Training: Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera
• Referral Incentive: You can earn a reward for successfully referring a friend or family member

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