Avionics Engineer

Darwin Recruitment are currently hiring for an Avionics Engineer on behalf of a start up space business in London that are specializing in autonomous robotics for orbital operations. The company is developing a platform-agnostic robotic arm and associated autonomous manipulation/vision software as a service. Notably they emphasise that they're not building the full spacecraft, but a system that can integrate with host spacecraft or tugs to enable servicing or defence functions in orbit. Their mission is to develop the first "Protect and Defend" capability for high-value space assets in orbit. Their flagship product, is their hardware-agnostic, AI-enabled autonomy software suite that enables them to augment any off-the-shelf spacecraft with the ability to autonomously detect, characterise, and reversibly neutralise orbital threats. By building on the proven space heritage of their best-in-class satellite-bus partners and fully integrating into a single unified platform, they deliver an end-to-end, autonomous in-space bodyguarding service.

• Perform PCB design, layout, simulation, and validation for high-speed and mixed-signal designs.
• Conduct hardware debugging and system-level testing using oscilloscopes, logic analysers, and other lab instrumentation.
• Build, test, and maintain electrical harnesses and wiring assemblies for flight and development hardware.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, systems and software teams to ensure seamless integration of avionics hardware into flight systems.
• Support environmental qualification and verification testing (EMC, vibration, thermal vacuum, etc.).

• BEng/MEng in Electrical Engineering, related field or equivalent experience.
• Proven expertise in PCB design, layout, and hardware bring up/testing.
• Knowledgeable in high-speed interface design and signal integrity analysis.
• Skilled in hardware debugging, fault isolation, and performance characterization.
• Familiar with lab test equipment including oscilloscopes, DAQs, logic analyzers, and power supplies.
• Hands on experience with electrical assembly, including soldering, crimping, and harness fabrication.

• Experience designing carrier boards for Linux-based SoCs.
• Familiarity with NVIDIA SoCs.
• Hands on experience with FPGA design and integration.
• Proficient with PCB simulation workflows, including signal integrity, power integrity, and EMC/thermal analysis.
• Background in space-rated electronics and high-reliability design practices, including radiation effects analysis, fault tolerant architectures, and qualification processes for space systems.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

James Godfrey