iO Associates
Principal Hardware Engineer
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Job Title: Principal Hardware Engineer
Role Summary
This strategic hire is driven by the organisation's ongoing growth and ambition in space technology development. The Principal Hardware Engineer will play a crucial role in shaping the future of satellite and payload systems, contributing to groundbreaking missions and innovative space solutions. This is an exceptional opportunity for a talented senior engineer to influence complex hardware projects at a leadership level, working on high-profile programmes that challenge the limits of current technology. This role can be based from multiple locations in the UK!
Responsibilities
- Lead the design, development, and testing of high-reliability aerospace hardware, specialising in satellite communication payloads and spaceborne systems.
- Oversee the complete hardware development lifecycle, from initial specifications through to production, ensuring rigorous compliance with space and safety standards.
- Create detailed circuit schematics, select appropriate components, and perform comprehensive electronic simulations.
- Conduct engineering analyses such as radiation effects, EMI, power budgeting, and reliability assessments.
- Support integration testing and validation, both in-house and with external partners, ensuring hardware performance aligns with mission objectives.
- Manage and coordinate PCB layout design teams, ensuring manufacturing quality and adherence to design specifications.
- Develop and maintain documentation, including engineering reports, test plans, and design validation records.
- Provide technical leadership within project teams, mentoring junior engineers and guiding best practices in high-reliability hardware design.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Essential Skills & Experience
- 13+ years of comprehensive experience in hardware design within the space, defence, or high-reliability sectors.
- Proven expertise in digital circuit design, including FPGA and ASIC development.
- Strong background in high-speed digital design, SerDes interconnects, and multi-layer PCB layout (10+ layers).
- Hands-on experience with satellite communication systems and space payload hardware.
- Extensive knowledge of radiation effects, mitigation techniques, and space environmental considerations.
- Proficiency with circuit simulation tools and electronic design automation (EDA) software.
- Leadership experience in managing hardware design teams or cross-disciplinary engineering groups.
- Familiarity with standards and regulations for aerospace and space hardware development.
- Additional advantageous skills include RF design, power electronics, scripting languages (Python, Tcl, Perl), and environmental testing expertise.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Experience in designing for LEO/GEO satellite systems.
- Knowledge of space-grade component selection and radiation hardening techniques.
- Experience with environmentally testing standards like EMI/EMC, thermal analysis, and safety protocols.
- Ability to thrive in a multidisciplinary engineering environment with strong communication skills.
IF THIS LOOKS INTERESTING TO YOU - APPLY NOW
Sponsorship not available, must already hold UK right to work
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location