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 body guarding service.

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 body guarding service.

We are seeking a highly motivated Mid-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.

• 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.)

• 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.

• 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.

• Pay Range: (E2) Mid-level Engineer: £55,000 - £80,000 / 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

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.

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