Head of Hardware

GTS Group is partnering with a cutting-edge space technology company that is seeking an experienced and driven Head of Hardware to lead their UK-based R&D hardware team. This is a critical leadership role driving the development of high-performance, low-power embedded hardware systems for advanced satellite communications and on-orbit processing platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of advanced digital hardware for satellite communications and embedded processing systems.
• Own the full hardware development lifecycle – from architecture definition to schematic design, component selection, layout, bring-up, qualification, and production handoff.
• Direct the design and development of analogue, digital, RF, mechanical, and system-level hardware.
• Guide schematic capture, PCB layout, signal integrity, power integrity, thermal analysis, EMI/EMC, and RF validation efforts.
• Oversee extensive testing and validation processes to meet stringent reliability and environmental standards for space applications.
• Lead hands-on lab bring-up, debugging, and hardware troubleshooting through prototypes to flight models.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years’ experience in hardware design for complex embedded systems, with significant leadership exposure.
• Proven track record in delivering high-reliability electronics for space, aerospace, or military applications.
• Strong expertise in digital and analogue board design, signal and power integrity, and high-speed interfaces (e.g., JESD204C.1, DDR4).
• Solid understanding of system-level integration including software, firmware, and hardware interactions.

Desirable Experience:

• Background in space-qualified or radiation-hardened hardware development.
• Experience with RF frontend design and mechanical design for environmental constraints.
• Understanding of satellite communications protocols and digital modulation standards
• Participation in ESA or other space agency-led programs.

Please contact us ASAP if you would like to have a confidential conversation about this Head of Hardware role; Jordan.w@gts-search.com