Avionics Hardware Engineer

Destinus; Zürich; On-site; CHF 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Destinus in Switzerland is seeking an Avionics Engineer to design, integrate, and test flight-critical electronic systems for UAVs and aerospace platforms.

You will own the full hardware development lifecycle, collaborate with mechanical, GNC and systems teams, and support flight testing with diagnostics and debugging to ensure reliable performance in demanding environments.

Join a fast-paced, innovation-driven team advancing cutting-edge aerospace technology in Zürich and beyond.

Qualifications

• 2+ years hands-on experience developing avionics or complex hardware systems.
• Proficiency in PCB design and layout with Altium or KiCad.
• Experience writing software/scripts for hardware testing in Linux.
• Embedded C/C++ programming and microcontrollers (e.g., STM32).

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test flight computer hardware.
• Own hardware development process from requirements to validation.
• Develop scripts for automated hardware test benches in Linux.
• Coordinate with mechanical, GNC, and system teams for integration.
• Perform system integration, testing, fault handling, and diagnostics.
• Support flight test preparation, telemetry, and field ops.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

Python scripting

System integration

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent

Tools

Altium

KiCad

Linux

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

JTAG

Job description

About the role

Imagine developing the avionics systems that enable advanced aerospace vehicles to fly, communicate, navigate, and perform critical missions. As an Avionics Engineer, you will design, integrate, and test flight-critical electronic systems, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to transform innovative concepts into reliable, high-performance products. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex technical challenges and contributing to the future of aerospace technology.

At Destinus, we are revolutionizing the defense industry with cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Our innovative technologies are designed to meet the unique demands of modern defense operations, delivering unparalleled speed, precision, and cost effectiveness. Destinus partners with government agencies and defense organizations worldwide to provide advanced solutions for mission-critical operations, enabling a new era of efficiency and technological superiority. Join us in shaping the future of defense with groundbreaking aerospace innovations.

What You´ll Do

• Hardware Design & Development - Design, develop, and test flight computer hardware, including schematic capture, PCB layout, and manufacturing files preparation.
• Requirement & Lifecycle Ownership -Own the full hardware development process - from gathering and tracking technical requirements with key stakeholders to early prototyping, hardware bring-up, and validation.
• Test Bench Software - Develop, maintain, and execute software scripts for automated hardware test benches running in a Linux environment to validate avionics devices functionality.
• Multidisciplinary Communication - Act as the primary technical point of contact for the hardware modules you own, communicating effectively with mechanical, GNC, and system teams to ensure seamless integration.
• System Integration & Diagnostics - Perform rigorous system integration, functional testing, fault handling, and diagnostics on both lab and field hardware.
• Process & Organization - Apply a highly structured and organized mindset to hardware design reviews, documentation, and continuous reliability improvements.
• Flight Operations - Support flight testing preparation, setup, telemetry monitoring, and field operations.

What You’ll Need

• Education - Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent.
• Experience - 2+ years of hands‑on experience developing avionics or complex hardware systems in aerospace, automotive, or robotics domains.
• PCB Design - Strong proficiency in PCB design and layout using tools like Altium, KiCad, or similar
• Test Bench & Linux - Proven experience writing software/scripts (e.g., Python, C/C++, or Bash) for hardware testing and validation within a Linux environment.
• Embedded Systems - Working knowledge of embedded C/C++ programming and microcontrollers (e.g., STM32) to support hardware validation and integration.
• Debugging & Lab Tools - Highly comfortable with system-level troubleshooting and using standard lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, electronic loads, JTAG).
• Interfaces - Solid understanding of serial protocols and hardware interfaces (e.g., SPI, I2C, CAN, UART).
• Mindset & Soft Skills - Highly structured, organized, and detail-oriented. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to manage technical requirements and thrive in a fast-paced, cross-disciplinary environment.

Who You Are

You are an engineer who is passionate about aviation technology and enjoys turning complex challenges into practical solutions. You thrive in multidisciplinary environments where hardware, software, and systems come together, and you are comfortable collaborating with experts across engineering disciplines. With a strong attention to detail and a hands‑on mindset, you take ownership of your work and approach problems with curiosity, creativity, and analytical thinking. You communicate clearly, adapt quickly to evolving priorities, and are motivated by seeing your designs move from concept to flight-ready reality. Most importantly, you are driven by innovation and excited to contribute to the development of cutting-edge aerospace systems.