Hardware Design Engineer - Digital Systems

Bluestream People; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a visionary team at the forefront of space exploration as a Digital Hardware Design Engineer. This role offers the chance to design cutting-edge hardware for satellite communications, collaborating with industry leaders to create high-reliability electronic systems. You will lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and have a direct impact on exciting, high-stakes missions. Enjoy a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and work-life balance, while contributing to innovative solutions that advance space exploration. Apply today and shape the future of communications in space!

Benefits

Career Growth Opportunities

Supportive Work Environment

Hybrid Working

Health and Wellbeing Benefits

Qualifications

• Strong experience in digital hardware product design.
• Hands-on experience with AMD SoCs/FPGAs and firmware integration.
• Skilled in designing high-speed, high-density multi-layer PCBs.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop FPGA/ASIC-based digital hardware for satellite payloads.
• Lead and mentor junior engineers while overseeing the hardware product lifecycle.
• Conduct engineering analyses and deliver production-ready documentation.

Skills

Digital Hardware Design

FPGA Development

Circuit Simulation

PCB Design

Firmware Integration

Scripting (Python, Tcl, Perl)

RF Circuit Design

Tools

LTSpice

Allegro

ADS

Hyperlynx

HFSS

CST

Job description

Are you ready to design hardware that powers tomorrow’s space missions? We're seeking a Digital Hardware Design Engineer to join an innovative UK-based team at the forefront of advanced satellite communication and sensor technology. You’ll collaborate with leading space industry partners to deliver high-reliability electronic systems for exploration, robotics, and secure communications in space.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands-on engineer ready to take the lead on cutting-edge hardware design, while mentoring others and working on complex, high-impact projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and develop FPGA/ASIC-based digital hardware for satellite payloads, instruments, and sensors.
• Own the full hardware product lifecycle – from specification through design, analysis, and testing.
• Integrate SoC IP and firmware; support system-level hardware/software integration.
• Lead and mentor junior engineers within the team.
• Carry out schematic capture, component selection, and circuit simulation.
• Conduct engineering analyses (e.g., derating, reliability, radiation, EMC, WCA, power budgets).
• Oversee internal and external PCB layout activities.
• Deliver prototype builds and production-ready manufacturing documentation.

What we’re looking for:

• Strong experience in digital hardware product design.
• Hands-on experience with AMD SoCs/FPGAs, including firmware integration.
• Skilled in designing high-speed, high-density multi-layer (10+) PCBs.
• Proficient with PCB and circuit simulation tools (e.g., LTSpice, Allegro, ADS, Hyperlynx, HFSS, CST).
• FPGA development with Verilog/VHDL.
• RF circuit design or DC/DC power supply design experience, an advantage.
• Scripting with Python, Tcl, or Perl, an advantage

What We Offer:

• Competitive Salary: Rewarding your skills and experience.
• Career Growth: Lead exciting projects with opportunities for professional development in a globally recognized industry leader.
• Supportive Environment: Collaborate with a passionate, purpose-driven team dedicated to advancing space exploration and communication.
• Range of benefits: to support you and your family’s health and wellbeing, hybrid working to encourage work-life balance, and more.

About You

You are an organized, quality-focused professional with exceptional critical thinking skills and the ability to inspire and lead a team. You’re confident communicating with internal and external stakeholders and are excited about collaborating with team members across the UK.

Why Join Us?

Be part of a visionary team revolutionizing space communications. Our mission is to advance exploration and development, fostering innovation that improves life on and above Earth. Join us in this new golden age of space exploration and inspire the next generation of pioneers.

Apply today and take the lead in shaping the future of space communications!

Bluestream People are an Equal Opportunities Employer and operates as an Employment Agency for permanent recruitment and an as an Employment Business for temporary / contract recruitment