Avionics Engineer

At NewOrbit Space, our mission is to engineer the lowest orbiting satellites on Earth to rapidly advance global connectivity and insight.

We are currently building satellites that can breathe air and operate at an altitude of just 200 km - one-third that of conventional satellites. Thanks to our proprietary propulsion system we can compensate for the atmospheric drag at ultra low altitudes using the air as propellant.

Please note that as we prepare for our maiden satellite mission, we are in a critical growth phase. Our roles will often require extended hours and are not typical 9-to-6 positions.

Your Role

We are seeking a skilled Satellite Avionics Engineer to join our mission of building advanced small satellites for ultra-low Earth orbits. You will be responsible for designing, developing, and testing avionics systems that enable spacecraft autonomy, reliability, and performance. You should be comfortable taking ownership of the full lifecycle — from concept through integration and testing — and working closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless operation in orbit.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, prototype, and test satellite avionics subsystems, including command and data handling (C&DH), onboard computers, and communication interfaces.

• Develop and integrate flight software with hardware platforms, ensuring robust real-time performance.

• Implement fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) strategies for spacecraft avionics.

• Conduct system-level simulations and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing.

• Collaborate with systems, structures, and payload teams to ensure compatibility and reliability across the spacecraft.

• Support assembly, integration, and environmental testing (vibration, thermal vacuum, EMI/EMC).

Fundamental Requirements

• Education: Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience: At least 3 years of experience in spacecraft avionics, embedded systems, or similar (including advanced academic research).

• Strong knowledge of embedded systems, digital and analogue electronics, and real-time operating systems.

• Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded development, with familiarity in Python or MATLAB/Simulink for testing and modelling.

• Experience with communication protocols such as CAN, SpaceWire, or MIL-STD-1553.

Preferred Experience (a plus, but not required)

• Avionics development for CubeSats, small satellites, or other space missions.

• FPGA development (e.g., VHDL/Verilog) for avionics or payload support.

• Experience with radiation-tolerant or space-qualified components.

• Knowledge of satellite communication systems (S-band, X-band, or optical).

• Experience with hardware verification, environmental testing, and space mission qualification.

• Familiarity with FMECA, reliability analysis, or safety-critical systems.

Why NewOrbit Space?

• Pioneering Space Technology – You'll contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space. Your work on our revolutionary air-breathing ion propulsion system will redefine satellite operations in ultra-low Earth orbits.

• Unmatched Ownership and Impact – You'll experience a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry. You will participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology.

• Equity and Competitive Salary – You'll receive not just a competitive salary but also company ownership stakes. Your dedication and hard work are rewarded with a share in the technology you help build, ensuring you're a part of our collective success.

• Comprehensive Benefits Package – Including private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, annual healthcare check-ups etc.