At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and validate advanced avionics for autonomous space systems.
- Company: Join Lodestar, a pioneering tech company in space defence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity incentives, 28 days holiday, and contributory pension.
- Other info: Hands-on role with excellent career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to protect high-value space assets with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: BEng/MEng in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 55000 £ per year.
Lodestar's mission is to develop the first "Protect and Defend" capability for high-value space assets in orbit. Our flagship product, MITHRIL, is our hardware‑agnostic, AI‑enabled autonomy software suite that enables us 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 our best‑in‑class satellite‑bus partners and fully integrating MITHRIL into a single unified platform, we deliver an end‑to‑end, autonomous in‑space bodyguarding service.
We are seeking highly motivated Avionics Hardware Engineers to join our multidisciplinary team developing next‑generation space systems. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and validating advanced avionics architectures for autonomous platforms. This role offers the opportunity to work hands‑on across the full lifecycle, from concept and simulation to hardware testing and on‑orbit readiness.
What You’ll Do
- 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.)
Qualifications
- 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.
Preferred Skills & Experience
- 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.
Pay Range: (E1) Junior Engineer: £30,000 - £55,000 / year (E2) Software Engineer: £55,000 - £80,000 / year
Meaningful equity incentives as part of our employee option pool, 28 days holiday, contributory pension.
Equal Opportunity
Lodestar is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Lodestar is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, colour, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Export Control Information
For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks, as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
Avionics Hardware Engineer employer: Lodestar
Lodestar is an exceptional employer for Avionics Hardware Engineers, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets purpose in the exciting field of space technology. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive compensation, and meaningful equity incentives, we foster a collaborative culture that encourages hands-on experience across the full lifecycle of cutting-edge projects. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys 28 days of holiday, a contributory pension, and comprehensive health benefits, making Lodestar a truly rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Avionics Hardware Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at Lodestar. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio or any projects related to avionics hardware, make sure to highlight them. Bring them up in conversations or interviews to demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your PCB design and debugging skills. Practice explaining your thought process clearly, as communication is key when collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Lodestar team.
We think you need these skills to ace Avionics Hardware Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in avionics hardware and PCB design. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Lodestar, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about space systems and how your background makes you a perfect fit for the Avionics Hardware Engineer role. Let us know what excites you about working with MITHRIL.
Show Off Your Technical Skills:Be specific about your technical expertise in your application. Mention your hands-on experience with lab equipment and any projects that demonstrate your skills in high-speed interface design and hardware debugging. We love seeing practical examples!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Lodestar!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lodestar
✨Know Your PCB Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your PCB design and layout skills. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've designed high-speed or mixed-signal circuits. Lodestar will want to see your hands-on experience, so prepare to talk about the tools you used and any challenges you faced.
✨Show Off Your Debugging Skills
Be prepared to demonstrate your hardware debugging expertise. Bring examples of how you've used oscilloscopes and logic analysers in past projects. Discuss any tricky faults you’ve isolated and how you resolved them, as this will show your problem-solving abilities.
✨Collaboration is Key
Lodestar values teamwork, so think of examples where you've collaborated with mechanical, systems, or software teams. Highlight how you ensured seamless integration of avionics hardware into flight systems, as this will showcase your ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
✨Familiarity with Space Systems
If you have experience with space-rated electronics or high-reliability design practices, make sure to mention it. Discuss any knowledge you have about environmental qualification testing and how it relates to your previous work. This will demonstrate your understanding of the unique challenges in the aerospace industry.
