At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop electrical systems for cutting-edge spacecraft thrusters.
- Company: Join Magdrive, a pioneering tech company at the forefront of space propulsion.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous leave.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Contribute to innovative space technology and gain hands-on experience with real flight hardware.
- Qualifications: Degree in electronic engineering or relevant experience; knowledge of circuit design and PCB layout.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Magdrive is developing the next generation of spacecraft propulsion. Our cutting‑edge thruster technology promises to deliver unmatched thrust and efficiency, enabling accessibility to new orbits and entirely new industries such as satellite servicing, orbital assembly, and interplanetary transport. We are also starting to develop recycling & refuelling approaches for future spacecraft propulsion.
We offer a supportive and flexible work environment, with the ability to adjust work hours, hybrid working, competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, and regular company socials. Magdrive is based at the Harwell Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire, UK, with occasional remote working possible.
As a Junior Electronics Engineer at Magdrive, you will support the design and development of electrical systems for our thrusters and test units, contributing to schematic capture, component selection, PCB layout and hands‑on circuit build and test. You’ll work alongside experienced engineers to validate hardware performance, troubleshoot issues at the bench, and ensure designs are robust and ready for integration with mechanical and software systems. This is a practical, learning‑focused role with real flight hardware exposure, giving you the opportunity to develop strong fundamentals in electronics design while contributing directly to space‑ready propulsion systems.
What you will be doing:
- Work with the team to design and develop electrical systems for the Magdrive thruster and test units, including schematic design, component selection and board layout.
- Support hardware testing to ensure robustness and reliability throughout flight.
- Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to integrate electronics with mechanical and software systems.
- Assist with PCB vendor engagement and manufacturing reviews.
- Produce clear documentation for designs and test procedures.
Who we are looking for:
- Degree in electronic engineering or relevant industrial experience.
- Knowledge of analogue/digital circuit design and power electronics.
- Experience in electronic circuit design and PCB layout (academic, internship or personal projects acceptable).
- Experience with PCB design tools such as KiCAD, Altium, Eagle.
- Practical, hands‑on experience with circuit build, test and repair, including SMT soldering.
- Familiarity with simulation software such as LTSpice.
- Strong problem‑solving skills and enthusiasm for tackling complex, real‑world hardware challenges in a multidisciplinary team environment.
- Familiarity with industry standards for PCB design and manufacturing.
- Exposure to high voltage systems (1kV – 5kV).
- Experience with battery systems.
- Programming experience to a beginner level in at least Python or C / C++.
- Good understanding of design for manufacturability, assembly, and test.
What we offer:
- Salary: £30k – £40k per annum (DOE).
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + birthdays, and long‑service awards (up to 30 days).
- Private medical insurance.
- Flexible working hours.
- Remote working where possible.
- Financial support for home office setup.
Unit 4, Bep0 Building, Thomson Avenue, Harwell Campus, United Kingdom, OX11 0GD.
Junior Electronics Engineer employer: Magdrive Ltd
Magdrive Ltd is an exceptional employer located in the innovative hub of Oxfordshire, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and creativity. As a Junior Space Propulsion Electronics Engineer, you will benefit from hands-on experience in cutting-edge projects, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development in the exciting field of space technology. With hybrid working options and a commitment to employee well-being, Magdrive Ltd stands out as a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Electronics Engineer
✨Join Aerospace Networks
Dive into aerospace engineering networks like the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) or the Royal Aeronautical Society. These communities are perfect for entry-level folks like us to connect with industry professionals and keep our eyes peeled for job openings or valuable resources.
✨Attend Industry Events
Make sure you check out aerospace conferences, job fairs, and expos happening in your area—it's a goldmine for entry-level opportunities! Events like the Farnborough International Airshow can help us get face-time with companies and learn about what they’re looking for in fresh talent.
✨Show Off Your Projects
Get your hands on some aerospace-related projects or internships, even if they’re on a smaller scale. We can easily showcase them online, whether it's on a portfolio website or through platforms like GitHub, to grab the attention of potential employers like Magdrive Ltd.
✨Look for Company-Specific Internships
Keep an eye out for entry-level job postings on companies' career pages, especially during undergrad recruiting seasons. Places like Magdrive Ltd often have specific programmes designed to attract and train eager minds like ours, so let’s not miss out on those opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Electronics Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Projects:When applying for an entry-level aerospace engineering role like Junior Electronics Engineer at Magdrive Ltd, make sure to highlight any university projects, internships, or design work related to aerodynamics or materials science. We want to see your hands-on experience, even if it’s just through your coursework!
Emphasise Your Technical Skills:In aerospace engineering, showcasing your technical skills is essential. Make sure to include software like CAD or MATLAB on your CV, along with any robotics or simulations you’ve worked on. Let's demonstrate that you have the technical chops for this role!
Show Passion for the Industry:Your cover letter is your chance to express why you want to join the aerospace world at Magdrive Ltd. Tell us about any relevant hobbies, such as model building or involvement in engineering clubs. We love to see candidates who are as passionate about aerospace as we are!
Tailor Your CV to Aerospace Engineering:Don’t forget to tailor your CV specifically for this entry-level position. Put the most relevant experience at the top and make sure it's easy to see how you align with the requirements of Junior Electronics Engineer. Clear, concise formatting is key—and remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Magdrive Ltd
✨Brush Up on Technical Fundamentals
Make sure we’ve revised the core principles of aerospace engineering before our interview at Magdrive Ltd. Expect technical questions that test our understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials. Being able to discuss projects or theories we've studied can really help showcase our knowledge.
✨Prepare for Hands-on Assessments
Since it's an entry-level role, it’s likely we'll face some hands-on tasks or practical assessments during the interview. Familiarise ourselves with CAD software or simulation tools commonly used in aerospace design. Showing off our ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations can definitely give us an edge.
✨Highlight Our Passion for the Industry
Being entry-level, it’s key for us to convey our enthusiasm for aerospace engineering. Let’s think about why we chose this field and any recent developments in the industry that excite us. A genuine passion can sometimes outweigh experience for companies like Magdrive Ltd.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Problem-Solving Skills
Given the collaborative nature of aerospace projects, we should come prepared with examples of how we’ve worked in teams or solved complex problems. Whether it’s a university project or a fun personal project, illustrating our ability to work well with others can really set us apart in the eyes of the interviewers at Magdrive Ltd.
