Principal Command and Data Handling Engineer

Internetwork Expert; Botany; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace start-up in Northern Ireland is seeking a Principal Command and Data Handling Engineer. This role involves owning the design, development, and testing of spacecraft systems critical to satellite success. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in avionics, hardware and firmware development, and a strong background in aerospace communication standards. Attractive benefits include competitive salary, equity, and ample leave, fostering a culture of ownership and innovation.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Equity (ESOP)

Annual leave plus personal/sick days

Public holidays

Qualifications

• 7+ years in avionics or aerospace electronics.
• Experience in hardware and firmware development.
• Track record of taking concepts through development.

Responsibilities

• Own the design and architecture of spacecraft CDH.
• Lead the design and test of in-house CDH PCBAs.
• Drive integration and testing of CDH hardware.

Skills

Hands-on development

Data troubleshooting

Cross-department collaboration

Aerospace communication standards

System integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's or PhD in related fields

Tools

Altium

Job description

About Us

Space Machines Company (SMC) is transforming the future of space operations with a bold mission: to deliver Roadside Assistance in Space.

As orbit becomes more congested and contested, we act as the "first responders" protecting the satellites that power life on Earth—from communications to navigation. Partnering with both commercial operators and government agencies, we're strengthening space resilience and enabling the growth of a sustainable space economy.

We're building this critical capability through hyperscale spacecraft manufacturing—delivering Optimus Viper spacecraft at mass‑production economics with rapid‑response capability.

The future of space is one where satellites are monitored, maintained, and protected in orbit. At SMC, we're making that future real.

Why Join Us

We're a start‑up — things move fast, resources are lean, and we're building as we go.

What we offer is opportunity: to learn at speed, grow with the company, and leave your fingerprints on something that's never been done before. At Space Machines Company, engineers, innovators, and problem‑solvers join forces to push the limits of what's possible.

If you want to build technology designed to protect and power humanity's future in space — and see your work make a visible impact — this is where you'll do it.

How We Work

We are builders first.

We approach every challenge through a cycle of design, build, test, and refine — making ideas real, learning from results, and improving with each iteration.

We challenge assumptions to make sure we're solving the right problems, and we strengthen our solutions through collaboration and feedback.

We use process where it adds value and set it aside where it slows us down. There are a lot of firsts here, and we meet them with curiosity and courage.

We win as one team.

As our Principal Command and Data Handling Engineer, you will be a senior technical expert responsible for the design, development, test and delivery of the spacecraft’s Command and Data Handling (CDH) subsystem. The developed CDH system is crucial to the success of the satellite in orbit.

In this role, you own outcomes from end to end, including:

System Architecture & Design – Own the architecture and design of spacecraft CDH, ensuring robustness, flight readiness and compatibility with other satellite subsystems.

CDH Electronics Development – Lead design, development and test of in‑house CDH PCBAs. Ensure high electronic quality standards through the review of PCB schematics and layout.

CDH Firmware Development – Lead design, development and review of CDH embedded firmware.

Data Budgets - Maintain data budget and validate overall network and processing rate limits to ensure there are no data bottle necks.

Hardware Selection – Lead the buy/build trade and the selection and procurement of CDH hardware, such as the On Board Computer.

Compatibility – Collaborate with other teams and ensure compatibility with other subsystems such as Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC), Propulsion, Payload and Flight Software (FSW).

Integration & Testing – Drive integration of CDH hardware with flight software and hardware, ensuring end‑to‑end validation through lab, HIL, and mission testing.

Standards & Compliance – Establish best practices for electronics design, testing, and qualification, ensuring compliance with aerospace standards.

About You

You’ll thrive in this role if you bring:

A builder's mindset — turning ideas and theory into working systems through hands‑on development, simulation, and testing.

An iterative approach — designing, building, testing, learning, and improving with each cycle. Comfortable with weekly integration cadence and rapid validation of new algorithms.

Collaboration and curiosity — working across disciplines and exploring beyond your own expertise. Exploring beyond your own expertise to solve novel problems in novel ways.

Adaptability and ownership — thriving in a fast‑scaling, evolving environment where requirements emerge from building. Driving outcomes end to end without waiting for perfect specifications.

Proven experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering or equivalent. (Masters or PhD is advantageous)
• 7+ years in avionics, aerospace electronics, or satellite systems, with experience in designing , testing and delivering reliable avionics electronics
• Track record of taking concepts through development, qualification, and flight.
• A strong foundation in both hardware and firmware is essential.
• Must demonstrate professional‑level proficiency in Altium, and be capable of both designing and evaluating PCBA electronics
• Experience with aerospace communication standards like CCSDS, CAN, I2C, SPI, RS-422, 1553, and Ethernet.
• This role demands extensive troubleshooting skills and frequent collaboration across departments to resolve complex, system‑wide challenges.
• Experience managing, leading and coaching teams

Bonus experience:

• Experience in satellite Command and Data Handling is highly desirable.
• Space, aerospace, defence, or robotics leadership experience
• Startup experience with fast‑paced development cycles and resource constraints

What You Actually Get

You won’t get rich quickly. But you’ll get:

Competitive salary – Fair pay for hard work. Commensurate with experience and the impact you’ll have.

Meaningful equity (ESOP) – Real ownership stake. Stock options that matter because you’re joining early enough for them to matter. If we win, you win.

Actual leave – Annual leave plus personal/sick days. Because even warriors need to recover.

Public holidays – All of them.

And freedom. Real freedom to build, decide, and move without waiting for permission. That’s not a benefit you’ll find in a package description, but it’s worth more than most perks on this list.