Lead Hardware Design Engineer - Contract - Space

Lead Hardware Design Engineer - Contract - Space

Are you an experienced Hardware Design Engineer looking to play a leading role in the future of space technology? We're seeking a Staff (Lead) Hardware Design Engineer to join an innovative engineering organisation developing next-generation satellite communications payloads for some of the world's most exciting space missions.

This is an opportunity to work on cutting-edge FPGA and ASIC-based hardware, leading complex hardware development projects from concept through to manufacture while mentoring engineers and driving technical excellence.

The Role

As a technical leader within a multidisciplinary engineering team, you'll take ownership of the design and delivery of high-reliability electronic hardware used in advanced satellite communications systems.

Key responsibilities include:

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• Leading the design and development of complex digital hardware for satellite payloads.
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• Managing hardware development activities throughout the full product lifecycle.
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• Producing detailed electronic designs including schematic capture, component selection and simulation.
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• Performing engineering analyses including worst-case analysis, derating, reliability, radiation, EMI/EMC, FMECA and power budgets.
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• Supporting system integration, testing, validation and qualification activities.
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• Directing internal and external PCB layout teams on complex multilayer HDI designs.
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• Delivering prototype and production-ready manufacturing documentation.
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• Providing technical leadership and mentoring within the hardware engineering team.
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About You

You'll be a highly experienced hardware engineer with a passion for solving complex technical challenges in high-reliability environments.

You'll ideally have:

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• 13+ years of hardware design experience within the Space, Aerospace, Defence, Automotive, or another high-reliability industry.
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• Strong expertise in high-speed digital electronics and SerDes interfaces.
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• Experience designing complex multilayer (10+ layer) HDI PCBs.
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• Knowledge of FPGA and ASIC-based hardware development.
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• Experience using electronic design, simulation and PCB development tools.
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• A solid understanding of hardware development from concept through manufacture.
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Desirable experience:

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• Satellite communications payloads (LEO/GEO)
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• High-reliability electronic design and analysis
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• RF design and validation
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• Radiation effects and mitigation techniques
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• DC/DC power supply design
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• Environmental, thermal and EMI/EMC standards
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• Scripting languages such as Python, Tcl or Perl
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• Previous experience leading engineering teams or line management
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What's on Offer

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• Work on innovative space and satellite technologies with real-world impact.
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• Hybrid working model supporting work-life balance.
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• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
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• Private healthcare.
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• Pension scheme.
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• Life assurance and income protection.
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• Employee Assistance Programme.
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• Excellent opportunities for career development within a growing, collaborative engineering environment.
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Apply Now

If you're an experienced Hardware Design Engineer looking to lead the development of next-generation satellite hardware and contribute to pioneering space technology projects, we'd love to hear from you.

Take the next step in your career and join a team where innovation, technical excellence and collaboration are driving the future of space exploration and communications.