Avionics Engineer in Reading

At NewOrbit Space, our mission is to engineer the lowest orbiting satellites on Earth to rapidly advance global connectivity and insight. We are currently building satellites that can operate at an altitude of just 200 km - one-third that of conventional satellites. Thanks to our propulsion system AURA, we can compensate for the atmospheric drag at ultra‑low altitudes.

Your Role

You’ll own the spacecraft’s avionics integration: the electrical architecture, harnessing and interfaces that connect OBC, EPS, radios, ADCS, payload, and sensors/actuators into a coherent, testable system. You’ll take COTS subsystems and make them work together reliably in a harsh VLEO environment—defining ICDs, managing power and data paths, building EGSE/flatsat test setups, and driving bring‑up through qualification, launch, and on‑orbit support.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the avionics architecture – define the spacecraft electrical and data interconnect: power distribution, buses, grounding strategy, and interface budgets.
• Integrate COTS subsystems – lead electrical ICDs, connector/pinout definitions, harness design inputs, and end‑to‑end interface validation across EPS, TT&C, ADCS, payload and OBC.
• Bring up and debug hardware – run bench and flatsat bring‑up, root‑cause integration issues, and debug with scopes, logic analyzers, bus analyzers, and power instrumentation.
• Design and validate interfaces – ensure robust operation of CAN(-FD)/UART/I2C/SPI/SpaceWire (as applicable), discrete I/O, power switching, and reset/watchdog lines.
• Own EGSE and test infrastructure – build/maintain electrical test rigs, simulators and procedures for subsystem acceptance, integration, and HIL campaigns.
• Drive reliability and environmental readiness – manage EMI/EMC and grounding practices, latch‑up/SEU mitigations at system level, and environmental test support (TVAC/vibe) as needed.
• Support operations and anomaly response – instrument for observability, define safe power‑up/down sequences, and support on‑orbit troubleshooting and configuration changes.

5+ years of experience integrating embedded electronics for space systems with strong ownership of end‑to‑end interfaces. Practical knowledge of spacecraft/embedded buses and interfaces: CAN, UART, I2C, SPI, GPIO, SpaceWire. Hands‑on lab debugging skills: oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power supplies, electronic loads, bus sniffers/analyzers, and structured fault isolation. Experience producing and managing ICDs: pinouts, signal definitions, timing, voltage levels, termination, error handling, and acceptance criteria. Understanding of power distribution and control concepts: load switching, inrush, brownouts, sequencing, reset behavior, and protections. Comfort with disciplined engineering workflows: change control, test procedures, configuration management, and clear documentation.

Preferred Experience (a plus, but not required)

• Experience with COTS spacecraft subsystems and vendor management: acceptance testing, nonconformance handling, and qualification support.
• Environmental test experience: TVAC, vibration/shock, and correlation of failures to electrical causes.
• Familiarity with radiation effects and mitigations (latch‑up, SEEs, shielding tradeoffs, system‑level protections).
• Basic embedded software coding and implementation.
• Exposure to ECSS‑style documentation and verification practices.

Why NewOrbit Space?

• Pioneering Space Technology – You will contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space. Your work on our revolutionary ion propulsion system and ULEO satellite platform will redefine satellite operations and disrupt traditional LEO operations.
• Unmatched Ownership and Impact – You will experience a level of ownership that’s rare in the space industry. You will participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology.
• Equity and Competitive Salary – You will receive not just a competitive salary but also company ownership stakes. Your dedication and hard work are rewarded with a share in the technology you help build, ensuring you’re a part of our collective success.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package – Including private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, annual healthcare check‑ups etc.
• Hybrid Work – A hybrid setup with one dedicated remote day per week.
• We provide a relocation package and sponsor your visa if you’re joining us from abroad.