Senior / Lead Electronics Engineer

Department: Propulsion

Location: Reading (London)

Employment Type: FullTime

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 operate at an altitude of just 200 km - one-third that of conventional satellites.

Your Role

We are seeking a Senior / Lead Electronics Engineer to design, build, and qualify electronics for our VLEO space mission. You will take technical ownership of electronics development across the full lifecycle — from early concept and architecture through design, test, qualification, and flight readiness — ensuring the success of our upcoming satellite missions.

You will work closely with systems, mechanical, propulsion, software, and AIT teams, and play a key role in setting technical direction and best practices for electronics development. Prior experience leading or mentoring engineers is highly valued.

Key Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end development of space-qualified electronics, from requirements and architecture to flight hardware.

• Design, prototype, and review analog, digital, and mixed-signal electronics and PCB layouts.

• Lead schematic capture, component selection, PCB design, and design-for-manufacturing/test.

• Define and execute test, validation, and qualification plans for space electronics (functional, environmental, and reliability testing).

• Ensure designs meet space requirements including radiation tolerance, EMI/EMC, reliability, and derating.

• Collaborate closely with systems, mechanical, software, and AIT teams to integrate electronics into satellite subsystems.

• Provide technical leadership through design reviews, mentoring, and guidance of junior engineers.

• Contribute to process improvement, technical standards, and architectural decisions across the electronics domain.

Fundamental Requirements

• Education: Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience:

  • 5+ years of professional experience developing electronics for demanding environments.

  • Demonstrated experience with space electronics or similar high-reliability systems (e.g. aerospace, defense).

• Strong fundamentals in analog and digital electronics.

• Proven experience with schematic design, PCB layout, and board bring-up.

• Solid understanding of space-specific constraints such as radiation, EMC/EMI, thermal behavior, and reliability.

• Experience taking hardware from concept through testing and qualification.

• EMI/EMC design, testing, and compliance for space hardware.

• Reliability analysis, including derating, worst-case analysis, and FMECA.

• Interface electronics for sensors, actuators, RF, or avionics subsystems.

Preferred Experience (a plus, but not required)

• Prior experience in a technical lead or team lead role, including mentoring or guiding other engineers.

• Electronics development for satellites, spacecraft, or other space systems.

• Radiation-tolerant design, component selection, and mitigation techniques.

• Environmental testing (thermal vacuum, vibration, shock).

Why NewOrbit Space?

• Pioneering Space Technology – You'll contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space. Your work on our revolutionary ion propulsion system and ULEO satellite platform will redefine satellite operations and disrupt traditional LEO operations.

• 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.

• Hybrid Work - A hybrid setup with one dedicated remote day per week.

• Visa Sponsorship & Relocation Support - We provide a relocation package and sponsor your visa if you’re joining us from abroad.