Principal Hardware Engineer

Principal Hardware Engineer

Ramon.Space

Guildford, United Kingdom

Job Summary

This role is critical for the development of the hardware components that drive our state-of-the-art satellite communication and processing systems and the way that they integrate with our software stack and our customers spacecrafts.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in hardware development for embedded systems and experience in developing high-performance, reliable hardware for space applications.

As an Hardware Engineer, you will be a key stakeholder in the design, development, and implementation of advanced hardware solutions as a part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating across the R&D group to ensure the deployment of cutting-edge, reliable, and efficient spaceflight systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Be a key person in the design, development, and optimization of digital hardware solutions for satellite communication payloads and embedded processing systems;
• Responsible for electrical specifications, SW-HW low level integration, schematic design, selection of components, layout considerations and NPI hand off;
• Lead analogue/digital board design through all development stages: from definition to implementation, bring-up, qualification, and release;
• Work with mechanical designers through all development stages: from definition to implementation, bring-up, qualification, and release;
• Take a major part in schematic capture, PCB layout, signal integrity, power integrity, EMI/EMC, RF, thermal and dynamic simulation work and validation of hardware designs;
• Collaborate with software and system engineers to integrate hardware components with software and communication systems;
• Conduct comprehensive testing, validation, and verification of hardware to ensure high reliability and performance in space environments;
• Conduct extensive lab work, bring-up and debugging experience from initial engineering modules and prototyping all the way up to production;
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex hardware issues in development and deployed systems;
• Maintain thorough documentation of hardware design, development processes, and test results;
• Stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices in hardware design for space applications;
• Support hardware integration and with new product introduction processes (NPI).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering, or a related field;
• Proven years' experience as a board designer of complex embedded systems, preferably for space or mil-grade applications;
• Proven experience in hardware design and development for embedded systems, preferably in satellite communication or for space applications;
• Strong knowledge of hardware architecture, design patterns, and development methodologies;
• Experience with high-speed digital design, high-speed signal integrity (JESD204C.1, JESD79-4D), and power integrity (for high current low power delivery networks) principles, simulation work and debug lab work;
• Strong understanding of the interactions between electronics, firmware (FW), and software (SW) aspects in creating accurate system architecture;
• Experience with schematic capture and PCB layout tools for multi-layer PCB design, via structure and reliability trade-offs;
• Strong understanding of working with multiple R&D disciplines such as RTL (FPGA/CPLD), FW, SW, Validation, NPI and Procurement;
• Experience with agile development methodologies.

Advantages

• Familiarity with radiation-hardened component selection and design practices for space applications;
• Experience with embedded systems hardware verification and validation processes for spaceflight;
• Knowledge of digital communication principles and satellite communication protocols;
• Proven knowledge in high-speed design (28Gbps and above);
• Experience with RF frontend design;
• Understanding of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) principles and their implications in the design;
• Experience with system-level design and integration;
• Familiarity with 5G waveform, DVB-S2X, CCSDS modems;
• Experience with new board bring-up and building of a BSP;
• Experience with Xilinx toolchains and ecosystems;
• Experience in executing a European Space Agency (ESA) lead project;
• Experience working with and managing subcontractors.