London | 5 Days On-Site | Competitive Salary + Equity
This isn't another hardware role. This is your chance to build the hardware that protects lives.
We're partnering with a YC-backed Defence Technology startup developing next-generation autonomous drone systems already being deployed by Western Special Forces and defence organisations across the UK, Europe and USA.
Asour Founding Hardware Engineer, you'll become the technical driving force behind the company's entire hardware capability. Working side-by-side with the Founder & CEO, you'll design, build and scale cutting-edge UAV electronics from the very first schematic through to mission-ready systems operating in some of the world's most demanding environments.
This is a true founding opportunity.
No bureaucracy.
No endless meetings.
Just world-class engineering, rapid iteration and the opportunity to build technology that will redefine modern defence.
What You'll Build
You'll own the complete hardware stack, including:
- Autonomous flight controllers High-performance motor driversPower management & battery systems.
- Companion computersSensor interfaces
- Custom embedded electronicsMission-critical PCB architectures
- From first concept to field deployment—you'll own it all.
- Your Mission Design next-generation electronics powering autonomous UAV platforms.
- Take hardware from blank page to manufactured, deployed products.Develop multi-layer PCBs using Altium or KiCad.
- Lead board bring-up, validation, testing and flight trials.Work directly with operators, defence customers and manufacturing partners to rapidly iterate products from real battlefield feedback.
- Build the company's UK hardware lab and manufacturing capability.
- Define engineering standards, tools and processes.
- Recruit, mentor and lead the future hardware engineering team as the business scales.
We're Looking for Someone Who
- Has experience in designing complex electronic hardware.
- Has taken products from concept through manufacture into real-world deployment.Has experience within Defence, Aerospace, Robotics, UAVs or Autonomous Systems.
- Loves solving impossible engineering problems.Thrives in fast-moving startup environments.
- Wants genuine ownership rather than simply competing tickets.
Technical Experience
You'll be confident with technologies including:
- STM32
- High-Speed Digital Design
- Analog Electronics
- BLDC Motor Drivers
- Embedded C/C++SPI, I²C, UART, CAN,USB & EthernetRF &; Wireless Systems Mechanical CADSystem-on-Module (SoM)
Why This Role?
Because opportunities like this don't come around often.You'll be joining at the very beginning, with the freedom to shape products, influence technical direction and build an engineering function from the ground up.Your work won't disappear into a backlog.It will be designed, manufactured, deployed and trusted by some of the world's most capable military operators.
If you're looking for a role where every board you design has purpose, every decision has impact, and every day pushes the boundaries of autonomous defence technology, we'd love to hear from you.
Founding Hardware Engineer employer: Hnosi Space Solutions
Hnosi Space Solutions is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of Newcastle upon Tyne, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth through mentorship and hands-on project involvement, allowing you to make a significant impact while continuing to develop your technical skills. With a focus on high-impact projects and a commitment to building a strong engineering community, Hnosi provides a unique opportunity for those looking to thrive in their careers.
