VHDL Hardware Engineer

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation.

Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.

Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

We are looking for a VHDL Hardware Engineer to join our team in Guilford. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys designing digital hardware, developing FPGA solutions, and working across the full lifecycle of electronic systems—from concept through manufacture, test and delivery.

• Location: Guilford
• On Site: 3x days on site
• Clearance: Not required 
• Experience Level: Mid - Senior 

Key Responsibilities:

• Design high‑speed digital hardware and perform schematic capture for board‑level designs.
• Develop and verify FPGA designs using VHDL.
• Support embedded software development for 8‑bit, 16‑bit and 32‑bit microcontrollers.
• Carry out hardware debugging, board bring‑up and system‑level testing.
• Oversee manufacture, testing and delivery of existing hardware designs.
• Produce clear and accurate design documentation.
• Deliver assigned work packages, ensuring technical quality, budget control and schedule performance.
• Collaborate closely with the project team throughout the development lifecycle.

Required Skills:

• Strong experience in digital board‑level hardware design.
• Proven ability to design, implement and verify FPGA solutions in VHDL.
• Good understanding of embedded software development in C and assembler.
• Hands‑on experience with hardware debugging, board bring‑up and system‑level testing.
• Familiarity with lab test equipment and practical electronic troubleshooting.
• Ability to manage and deliver defined work packages to agreed technical, budget and schedule targets.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a project team.
• Strong organisational and planning abilities with a structured approach to work.
• Commitment to meeting challenging deadlines and maintaining high engineering standards.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience with analogue circuit design.
• Understanding of matrix management and cross‑functional project structures.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes for electronic hardware.
• Experience generating technical documentation for design, test and delivery.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines.
• A proactive, problem‑solving mindset with attention to detail.

Why join us? 

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short you get: 

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style 
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme 
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. 

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.