Hardware Engineer (Avionics)

Job Description

Job Title: Hardware Engineer (Avionics & Embedded Systems)

Location: Salisbury ( Hybrid-2 days a week in office)

Clearance Requirement: UK SC Cleared or SC Eligible

Role Overview We are an innovative Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) based in Wiltshire, specializing in advanced Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). We are seeking a highly skilled Hardware Engineer to take ownership of the end-to-end design, multi-layer PCB layout, prototype bring-up, and environmental qualification of safety-critical flight control electronics, platform management computers, and sensor payload interfaces for fixed-wing, VTOL, and gas-turbine platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Schematic & PCB Design: Create multi-layer rigid and flex-rigid PCBs using Altium Designer for flight control computers, power distribution units (PDUs), and sensor interfaces.

• Avionics Bus Integration: Implement robust, low-latency communication bus architectures, including CAN / CAN FD, RS422, RS485, Ethernet, SPI, and I2C.

• Power Electronics: Design low-voltage DC-DC converters, switching regulators, and power distribution circuitry optimized for weight, thermal dissipation, and efficiency.

• Board Bring-Up & Verification: Lead hands-on prototype bring-up, fault isolation, and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) bench testing using standard laboratory equipment.

• Environmental & EMC Qualification: Design for harsh operating environments, ensuring compliance with RTCA DO-160G, DEF-STAN 59-411, and MIL-STD-810.

• Design Assurance: Produce comprehensive technical documentation (ICDs, DFMEA, BOMs, Gerber files) operating under ISO 9001 / AS9100 quality frameworks.

Required Skills & Experience

• Education: Degree in Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechatronics.

• CAD Tools: Advanced proficiency in Altium Designer (Schematic Capture, Multilayer High-Speed PCB Layout, Controlled Impedance, DRC).

• Silicon Architecture: Proven experience with ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers (e.g., STM32) and microprocessors. Optional FPGA integration experience (Xilinx/Altera) is highly desirable.

• Test & Measurement: Hands-on expertise in electronic diagnostics, soldering, EWIS harness integration, and bench-test automation (Python/LabVIEW).

• Security Clearance: Due to the nature of the projects, candidates must have the ability to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC).

Randstad Technologies is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.