Firmware Engineer – Aerospace & Aviation Systems

Location: United Kingdom (Bristol)

Job Type: On-site

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Firmware Engineer to join our client's aerospace and aviation systems team in Bristol, United Kingdom. In this role, you will work on the development of embedded firmware for mission-critical aerospace and aviation systems, ensuring that all software meets the highest reliability and safety standards. You will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies, contributing to the development of systems that power modern aviation and space exploration.

Core Skills

• C/C++ & Assembly (ARM, DSP): Proficient in C/C++ and Assembly programming for embedded systems, especially within the context of ARM and DSP architectures. Experience with real-time software development in these environments is essential.
• Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS): Solid understanding of RTOS platforms like FreeRTOS and VxWorks, and their application in real-time, safety-critical systems.
• Aerospace Standards: Deep knowledge of aerospace safety standards such as DO-178C for software development and DO-160 for environmental testing of aerospace equipment.
• FPGA Design (VHDL/Verilog): Expertise in FPGA design using VHDL/Verilog for custom hardware solutions, enabling the integration of hardware accelerators into embedded systems.
• System-Level Debugging: Hands-on experience with system-level debugging techniques, including hardware/software interaction and troubleshooting embedded systems.
• Hardware/Software Co-Design: Experience with hardware/software co-design for complex embedded systems, enabling seamless integration between firmware and hardware.

Preferred/Additional Skills

• Certification and Compliance: Familiarity with additional industry standards and certifications such as ISO 9001, AS9100, or IEC 61508.
• Aerospace Communication Protocols: Knowledge of communication protocols commonly used in aerospace systems, such as ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553, and Ethernet-based protocols.
• Real-Time Performance Optimization: Experience in optimizing embedded systems for real-time performance, particularly in high-stakes aerospace applications.
• Testing and Validation: Familiarity with tools for embedded system testing and validation, such as in-circuit emulators, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, and JTAG debugging.
• Autonomous Systems: Exposure to developing firmware for autonomous or semi-autonomous systems in aerospace applications is a bonus.
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Ability to work closely with other engineering teams (e.g., hardware engineers, system engineers) to deliver integrated solutions.