Avionics Hardware Engineer

About Lodestar

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.

About the Job

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.

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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.)

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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

• Experience designing carrier boards for Linux-based SoCs.
• 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.

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Compensation & Benefits

• 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 
• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision coverage
• Contributory pension

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Important 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. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of one of the following countries: Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, or United States, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.

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Additional Information:

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options , and access to medical, vision and dental coverage. 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, color, 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.