At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Electronics team to ensure our satellites are ready for space missions.
- Company: Open Cosmos, a mission-driven company making space accessible.
- Benefits: Collaborative environment, diverse team, and impactful work in space technology.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of space innovation and solve real-world challenges.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of electronic components and PCBA manufacturing processes.
- Other info: Based in Harwell, UK with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
At Open Cosmos we are solving the world’s biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before - ready for the challenge? Then read on…
Working in our Chief Technology Office (CTO) The CTO division is where Open Cosmos technology comes to life. Covering engineering, product development, and technical innovation, the team designs, builds, and operates the satellites, systems, and platforms that make our missions possible. It’s a highly collaborative environment where ideas become real hardware, software, and data solutions that deliver impact from space.
The Electronics team is where the magic happens — from power systems and flight computers to comms boards and payload interfaces, they make sure every mission succeeds. It’s creative, hands‑on, and mission‑critical work — solving tricky problems, testing every circuit, and ensuring our satellites are ready to thrive in the toughest environment of all: space.
What You’ll Be Doing
We’re looking for an Electronics Operations Engineer to sit at the centre of engineering, supply chain, quality, and our PCBA suppliers — ensuring our electronics are manufacturable, traceable, and supply‑secure. This is a highly collaborative role. As a member of the Electronics team, you will:
- Own and maintain component libraries and the Approved Materials Database
- Manage critical components, obsolescence, and long‑lead risks
- Act as the technical interface with PCBA suppliers and support query resolution
- Own and standardise the PCBA Manufacturing Specification across suppliers
- Ensure traceability, compliance, and repeatability across builds
- Support engineering teams with reliable component and supplier data
- Maintain libraries and templates in Altium Designer
What You’ll Bring
- Strong understanding of electronic components, EEE parts, and PCBA manufacturing processes
- Ability to interpret component datasheets, specifications, and lifecycle risks (including obsolescence and long lead times)
- Awareness of supplier capabilities and manufacturing constraints
- Familiarity with component libraries, AMLs, and part governance frameworks
- Working knowledge of Altium Designer for library and component management
- General understanding of ERP/materials systems (e.g. NetSuite or similar)
For this role you can be based in Harwell, UK. To apply, you must have the legal right to work in your chosen location.
Why Open Cosmos?
- Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe.
- A mission‑driven company making space accessible to help solve real‑world challenges.
- A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team.
Electronic Operations Engineer in Harwell employer: Open Cosmos
Contact Detail:
Open Cosmos Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Electronic Operations Engineer in Harwell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at Open Cosmos. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a project or a portfolio that highlights your experience with electronic components or PCBA manufacturing, bring it along to interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your hands-on knowledge.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Brush up on your understanding of EEE parts and component lifecycle risks. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show you're ready for the challenges at Open Cosmos.
✨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 Open Cosmos team.
We think you need these skills to ace Electronic Operations Engineer in Harwell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Electronics Operations Engineer role. Highlight your understanding of electronic components and PCBA manufacturing processes, as these are key to what we’re looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to show us your passion for space technology and how you can contribute to our mission. Be sure to mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage critical components and work collaboratively.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your familiarity with tools like Altium Designer and any ERP systems you've worked with. We want to see how your technical expertise aligns with our needs in the Electronics team.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Open Cosmos
✨Know Your Electronics Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of electronic components and PCBA manufacturing processes. Be ready to discuss specific components, their datasheets, and how they relate to the role. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Altium Designer
Since the role involves maintaining libraries and templates in Altium Designer, it’s crucial to have a good grasp of this software. If you can, practice using it before the interview so you can confidently discuss your experience and any projects you've worked on.
✨Understand Supply Chain Dynamics
Get a solid understanding of supply chain management, especially regarding critical components and obsolescence. Be prepared to talk about how you would manage risks and ensure traceability and compliance across builds. This shows you’re thinking ahead and can handle the complexities of the role.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This position is all about collaboration, so be ready to share examples of how you’ve worked effectively in teams. Highlight any experiences where you acted as a technical interface or resolved queries with suppliers. This will demonstrate that you’re a team player who thrives in a collaborative environment.