FPGA Engineer (Power Supplies)
Posted on January 21, 2026 (about 2 hours ago)
FPGA Engineer (Power Supplies)
Location: Harwell, Oxfordshire. This is a 3-year fixed-term position. Hybrid working arrangement with a minimum of 4 days working onsite per week. Salary: A341,414 to A345,510 (discretionary range to A352,337). Reference: 11778.
About Us
Diamond Light Source is the UKs national synchrotron facility producing intense beams of X-rays, infrared and ultraviolet light. Our scientists use this light to study a wide range of scientific and engineering challenges, from developing new medicines to advanced materials and technology. Diamond is undertaking a major upgrade called Diamond-II to deliver a more brilliant light source and upgraded beamlines, detectors and computing.
About the Role
We are seeking an FPGA Engineer to develop FPGA firmware for the next generation of power supplies for the Diamond-II upgrade project, with a focus on quality, reliability and stability. This role is a 3-year fixed-term appointment.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop, maintain and debug HDL code for Xilinx FPGAs using Vivado, implementing full-cycle firmware for magnet power supplies, including feedback control, filtering and interlock handling via state machines.
- Design and integrate interfaces to peripherals such as ADCs, DACs, SRAM, Flash memory, sensors and microcontrollers.
- Test and verify FPGA designs using simulation test benches and on-hardware validation with logic analysers.
- Collaborate with hardware engineers and the Control Group to optimise performance, resolve issues and develop reliable Ethernet-based control interfaces.
- Review, refactor and document HDL code in line with Diamond standards, ensuring version control and maintainability.
- Contribute to electronic circuit design, simulation (SPICE, MATLAB), PCB design and prototype testing to support FPGA-based control system development.
About You
You will hold an appropriate Engineering or Science degree (Bachelors or Masters) or possess equivalent experience, with proven practical experience in an industrial or scientific environment relevant to this role.
Essential skills and experience:
- Theoretical and practical knowledge of HDL firmware development for FPGAs (preferably Xilinx) using VHDL or Verilog.
- Strong experience with simulation, verification and validation tools for FPGA code.
- Experience with code management, version control and repository tools.
- Basic knowledge of electrical and electronic circuit principles, laboratory testing and measurement techniques, and electronic circuit simulation software such as LTspice, PSpice or Simscape.
- Familiarity with microcontrollers, microprocessors and programming languages including C, C++ or Python.
- Basic knowledge of linear control systems and a self-motivated approach with attention to detail. Willingness to travel occasionally within the UK and overseas.
Benefits and Other Information
Diamond offers 26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure, public holidays, 2 annual volunteering days, flexible working hours, and an excellent defined benefit pension scheme. On-site amenities include a nursery, cafes, a restaurant and sports and leisure facilities. A relocation allowance may be available where applicable.
Visa sponsorship: this role does not meet the criteria for visa sponsorship except for people already sponsored before 04/04/24 or those meeting new entrant criteria. The closing date for applications is 25 January 2026; early applications are encouraged as interviews may be held before the closing date.
How to Apply
Please use the online application process to apply and explain why you believe you are suitable for this role. Use the employer's online application form and submit your CV and any supporting documents through that process.
Mandatory Documents and Notes
As part of your application you must complete the mandatory application questionnaire and attach it under the 'Publications List / Additional Documents' section. Applications submitted without the completed application questionnaire will not be considered.
Applications may be assessed and interviewed before the closing date. If you are disabled and wish to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, indicate this via the online application process.