FPGA Engineer

Background

The world around us is experiencing significant change, the greatest in generations.

At Motion Applied, we’re accelerating the response to that change. Our vision is that our people and technologies will pioneer a better future . Our mission is to achieve breakthroughs in performance.

We’re at the cutting edge of innovation in industries including automotive transportation and motorsport. We create solutions that drive efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

We want to help to reduce the carbon footprint and become more sustainable.

Our focus is on electrification and telemetry, control and analytics.

To deliver efficient lightweight electric powertrain and vehicle development; motorsport solutions that make series more sustainable and efficient; reliable connectivity solutions for transportation and insightful analytics and monitoring of transport fleets.

By applying our expertise, we deliver real benefits and pioneer a better future .

Role Overview

Motion Applied develops advanced electronic systems used in the world’s most iconic motorsport series, including FPGA-based platforms for control, data acquisition, and high-speed communication.

We’re looking for an FPGA Engineer to design, implement, and validate FPGA solutions for high-performance motorsport applications. You’ll work closely with electronics, embedded software, and trackside support teams to deliver reliable, real-time systems that meet the demands of elite racing environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop FPGA modules using VHDL for control and data systems.
• Integrate FPGA designs with embedded software and hardware platforms.
• Implement and validate high-speed communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet, CAN, PCIe).
• Perform simulation, synthesis, timing analysis, and optimisation of FPGA designs.
• Support lab and vehicle-level testing, fault analysis, and system validation. Occasional trackside support may be required.
• Collaborate across engineering disciplines and contribute to design reviews and continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Experience

• First-class or upper-second degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Strong experience in FPGA development using VHDL.
• Proficiency with FPGA toolchains (e.g., Vivado, ISE, PlanAhead).
• Familiarity with high-speed interfaces and protocols (e.g., PCIe, DDR3/4/5, Ethernet).
• Knowledge of communication interfaces: CAN, Ethernet, SPI, I2C, UART, USB.
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python, TCL).
• Comfortable using issue tracking and task management tools (e.g., JIRA).

Desirable Attributes

• Experience with embedded systems and real-time applications.
• Ability to read and interpret hardware schematics and datasheets.
• Familiarity with MATLAB Simulink or model-based design.
• Understanding of C or C++ for embedded systems development.
• Ability to research and implement technical solutions beyond current expertise.
• Understanding of motorsport-specific systems and race electronics environments.
• Proactive problem solver with a growth mindset.

Values and Behaviours

• Passion for motorsport and a drive for continuous performance improvement.
• Results-oriented team player with strong collaboration skills.
• Clear communicator with attention to detail and technical precision.
• Self-motivated and organised, able to work independently and manage tasks effectively.

What we can offer you

In return for everything you bring to the table, we can ensure an exciting, challenging role in a dynamic business surrounded by some of the best people in their respective fields.

At Motion Applied we firmly believe it’s the relationships and friendships we create while working that make us special. We’re also aware that the world is changing and we are part of that change. We all want and need different things from our work and home lives, so, if you have commitments outside of work, we’re open to talking through flexible working options that work for you and us.

• Annual leave (25 days + bank holidays, pro-rated for part time colleagues).
• Enhanced Company Maternity, Paternity and Adoption leave and pay.
• Flexible working policies, including Hybrid Working.
• Life assurance to the value of 4 times base salary
• Opportunity to join the Motion Applied Pension Plan
• Company funded individual private healthcare with the opportunity to extend to partner or spouse and/or dependents at a discounted rate.
• Electric car scheme – opportunity to drive a brand-new car in a more affordable way through this salary sacrifice scheme. Employees are eligible to join the scheme after successful competition of their probationary period.

Who we are

Motion Applied are a medium-sized tech firm spun out of McLaren Group. We’re looking for people who will thrive in a non-hierarchical, growth-orientated company, self-starters who are flexible and somewhat entrepreneurial in their approach.

Motion Applied are committed to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) and promote DEI in all we do. Motion Applied are also members of the UK Government Disability Confident Scheme .