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 a highly motivated M id-level Avionics hardware engineer 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. What You’ll Do Define and own the avionics subsystem architectures. Design, layout, bring-up and validation of PCBs for high-speed digital avionics systems. Lead design reviews and drive technical decisions across the hardware lifecycle, working with systems and software teams. 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.) Qualifications BEng/MEng in Electrical Engineering, related field or equivalent experience. 3+ years of professional experience delivering/owning complex electronics hardware projects. Proven expertise in complex 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 characterisation. Experienced with lab test equipment including oscilloscopes, DAQs, logic analysers, and power supplies. Experience defining board or system-level architecture and leading design reviews. Hands-on experience with electrical assembly, including soldering, crimping, and harness fabrication. Preferred Skills & Experience Experience designing boards for Linux-based SoCs and FPGAs. Familiarity with NVIDIA SoMs. 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. Compensation & Benefits Pay Range: (E2) Mid-level Engineer: £55,000 - £75,000 / year Meaningful equity incentives as part of our employee option pool 28 Days Annual Leave Comprehensive medical, dental & vision coverage Contributory pension Be part of a scrappy, dynamic, multidisciplinary, collaborative crew 🏴‍☠️ 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, Ne…