Hardware Engineer (Avionics)

Randstad Technologies; Salisbury; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad Technologies is seeking a skilled Hardware Engineer to own end-to-end design of avionics and embedded systems for UAS platforms in Wiltshire. You will develop multi-layer PCBs, integrate avionics buses, and qualify hardware for harsh environments.

Role requires UK SC clearance eligibility and hands-on bring-up, power electronics, and hardware-in-the-loop testing across fixed-wing, VTOL, and gas-turbine platforms. Hybrid in Salisbury with two days in office.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechatronics.
• Altium Designer (Schematic Capture, Multilayer High-Speed PCB Layout, Controlled Impedance, DRC).
• ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers (e.g., STM32) and microprocessors; FPGA integration experience (Xilinx/Altera) desirable.
• Electronic diagnostics, soldering, EWIS harness integration, bench-test automation (Python/LabVIEW).
• Knowledge of clearance processes and ability to obtain UK SC clearance.

Responsibilities

• Schematic & PCB Design: Create multi-layer PCBs using Altium Designer for flight control computers, PDUs, and sensor interfaces.
• Avionics Bus Integration: Implement CAN/CAN FD, RS422, RS485, Ethernet, SPI, and I2C communications.
• Power Electronics: Design low-voltage DC-DC converters, switching regulators, and power distribution circuitry.
• Board Bring-Up & Verification: Prototype bring-up, fault isolation, hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Environmental & EMC Qualification: Design for harsh environments; comply with RTCA DO-160G, DEF-STAN 59-411, MIL-STD-810.
• Design Assurance: Produce ICDs, DFMEA, BOMs, Gerber files under ISO 9001/AS9100 quality.

Job description

Job Title: Hardware Engineer (Avionics & Embedded Systems)

Location: Salisbury ( Hybrid-2 days a week in office)

Clearance Requirement: UK SC Cleared or SC Eligible

Role Overview

We are an innovative Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) based in Wiltshire, specializing in advanced Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). We are seeking a highly skilled Hardware Engineer to take ownership of the end-to-end design, multi-layer PCB layout, prototype bring-up, and environmental qualification of safety-critical flight control electronics, platform management computers, and sensor payload interfaces for fixed-wing, VTOL, and gas-turbine platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Schematic & PCB Design: Create multi-layer rigid and flex-rigid PCBs using Altium Designer for flight control computers, power distribution units (PDUs), and sensor interfaces.
• Avionics Bus Integration: Implement robust, low-latency communication bus architectures, including CAN / CAN FD, RS422, RS485, Ethernet, SPI, and I2C.
• Power Electronics: Design low-voltage DC-DC converters, switching regulators, and power distribution circuitry optimized for weight, thermal dissipation, and efficiency.
• Board Bring-Up & Verification: Lead hands-on prototype bring-up, fault isolation, and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) bench testing using standard laboratory equipment.
• Environmental & EMC Qualification: Design for harsh operating environments, ensuring compliance with RTCA DO-160G, DEF-STAN 59-411, and MIL-STD-810.
• Design Assurance: Produce comprehensive technical documentation (ICDs, DFMEA, BOMs, Gerber files) operating under ISO 9001 / AS9100 quality frameworks.

Required Skills & Experience

• Education: Degree in Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechatronics.
• CAD Tools: Advanced proficiency in Altium Designer (Schematic Capture, Multilayer High-Speed PCB Layout, Controlled Impedance, DRC).
• Silicon Architecture: Proven experience with ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers (e.g., STM32) and microprocessors. Optional FPGA integration experience (Xilinx/Altera) is highly desirable.
• Test & Measurement: Hands-on expertise in electronic diagnostics, soldering, EWIS harness integration, and bench-test automation (Python/LabVIEW).
• Security Clearance: Due to the nature of the projects, candidates must have the ability to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC).