Principal Hardware Engineer

Job Title: Principal Hardware Engineer 

Role Summary

This strategic hire is driven by the organisation’s ongoing growth and ambition in space technology development. The Principal Hardware Engineer will play a crucial role in shaping the future of satellite and payload systems, contributing to groundbreaking missions and innovative space solutions. This is an exceptional opportunity for a talented senior engineer to influence complex hardware projects at a leadership level, working on high-profile programmes that challenge the limits of current technology. This role can be based from multiple locations in the UK!

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and testing of high-reliability aerospace hardware, specialising in satellite communication payloads and spaceborne systems.
• Oversee the complete hardware development lifecycle, from initial specifications through to production, ensuring rigorous compliance with space and safety standards.
• Create detailed circuit schematics, select appropriate components, and perform comprehensive electronic simulations.
• Conduct engineering analyses such as radiation effects, EMI, power budgeting, and reliability assessments.
• Support integration testing and validation, both in-house and with external partners, ensuring hardware performance aligns with mission objectives.
• Manage and coordinate PCB layout design teams, ensuring manufacturing quality and adherence to design specifications.
• Develop and maintain documentation, including engineering reports, test plans, and design validation records.
• Provide technical leadership within project teams, mentoring junior engineers and guiding best practices in high-reliability hardware design.

Essential Skills & Experience

• 13+ years of comprehensive experience in hardware design within the space, defence, or high-reliability sectors.
• Proven expertise in digital circuit design, including FPGA and ASIC development.
• Strong background in high-speed digital design, SerDes interconnects, and multi-layer PCB layout (10+ layers).
• Hands-on experience with satellite communication systems and space payload hardware.
• Extensive knowledge of radiation effects, mitigation techniques, and space environmental considerations.
• Proficiency with circuit simulation tools and electronic design automation (EDA) software.
• Leadership experience in managing hardware design teams or cross-disciplinary engineering groups.
• Familiarity with standards and regulations for aerospace and space hardware development.
• Additional advantageous skills include RF design, power electronics, scripting languages (Python, Tcl, Perl), and environmental testing expertise.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience in designing for LEO/GEO satellite systems.
• Knowledge of space-grade component selection and radiation hardening techniques.
• Experience with environmentally testing standards like EMI/EMC, thermal analysis, and safety protocols.
• Ability to thrive in a multidisciplined engineering environment with strong communication skills. 

IF THIS LOOKS INTERESTING TO YOU – APPLY NOW

*Sponsorship not available, must already hold UK right to work