Senior Hardware Design Engineer

MDA Space; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Pension plan

Employee assistance program

Job summary

MDA Space is seeking an accomplished Hardware Architect for the Sat Connect IC division. You will translate system requirements into detailed hardware architectures and designs for ASIC validation, including EVB development, high-speed SerDes interfaces, and PDN optimization.

The role emphasizes hands-on bring-up, debugging, and documentation. Ideal candidates hold a 8+ year track record in complex hardware design, with expertise in high-frequency RF, power integrity, and CAD tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years in Hardware Design and complex electronic systems development.
• Experience leading hardware from architecture to ASIC validation.

Responsibilities

• Understand system architecture and translate requirements into hardware specifications.
• Design EVBs for ASIC validation and characterization.
• Develop clock distribution networks for high-speed interfaces.
• Create PDN/PI compliant power delivery for ASIC-based systems.
• Collaborate with PCB Layout and perform schematic/layout reviews.
• Support prototype bring-up, hardware validation and debugging.
• Develop test plans and hardware documentation.

Skills

Hardware Architecture

System-Level Design

High-Speed SerDes

RF Design 10GHz+

MCU/Microprocessor Hardware

Digital Interfaces (UART I2C SPI DDR,

Power Integrity

PDN Optimization

Cadence OrCAD/Allegro

PCB Design & Bring-up

Troubleshooting/Root Cause

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Cadence OrCAD Capture

Allegro (PCB Layout)

Job description

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and Geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The global MDA Space team of more than 3,800 space experts has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission – bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that’s been in our DNA since day one.For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we’ll take you there.

Our Sat Connect IC business unit, a division of our Satellite Systems business, is a leading provider of ASICs, software, multibeam electronically steered antennas, and complete systems for communication satellites, as well as ground and airborne terminals. With locations in Israel, the UK, and the US, we are a technology leader in satellite communication.

Responsibilities

• Understand system architecture and translate system requirements into detailed hardware specifications
• Develop initial hardware architecture and design concepts based on product requirements
• Design Evaluation Boards (EVBs) for ASIC validation, characterization, and system integration
• Design and optimize clock distribution networks for high-speed SerDes, ADC, and DAC interfaces
• Develop power supply architectures and high-current power delivery solutions for ASIC-based systems
• Design and optimize the Power Distribution Network (PDN) to meet Power Integrity (PI) requirements, minimize voltage ripple, control impedance, and reduce IR drop
• Perform Power Integrity (PI) analysis, including IR drop, decoupling capacitor optimization, transient response analysis, and power rail validation
• Create schematics using Cadence OrCAD Capture, Allegro, or equivalent EDA tools
• Define PCB stack-up, HDI (High-Density Interconnect) technology, and multilayer PCB requirements
• Collaborate with the PCB Layout Team and perform schematic, placement, routing, and layout reviews
• Perform Signal Integrity (SI) analysis for critical digital signals
• Support prototype bring-up, hardware debugging, validation, and characterization
• Develop test plans, validation procedures, and hardware documentation
• Analyze and resolve hardware issues during development and system integration
• Support DFM/DFT reviews and production ramp-up activities

Required Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of Hardware Architecture and System-Level Design
• Experience designing Evaluation Boards (EVBs) for ASIC validation and characterization
• Experience with High-Speed SerDes; 26.4 Gbps or higher data rates is highly desirable
• Basic knowledge of High-Frequency RF Analog Design; RF circuits operating at 10 GHz and above is highly desirable
• Experience with MCU and Microprocessor-based hardware design
• Experience with digital communication interfaces including UART, I2C, SPI, SDIO, and DDR, Ethernet
• Strong knowledge of Power Supply Design, Power Sequencing, and High-Current Power Delivery
• Experience with Power Integrity (PI), PDN Optimization, and IR Drop Analysis
• Strong understanding of Signal Integrity (SI) principles and high-speed design methodologies
• Experience with PCB Stack-up, HDI Technology, and High-Layer-Count PCB Design
• Proficiency with Cadence OrCAD Capture, Allegro, or equivalent PCB Design Tools
• Experience reviewing PCB Layouts for High-Speed, Power Integrity, and RF design considerations
• Hands-on experience with Board Bring-up, Hardware Validation, and Hardware Debugging
• Proficiency with Signal Analyzers and strong Troubleshooting and Root Cause Analysis skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Mixed-Signal Hardware Design and High-Speed Digital Systems
• Familiarity with Manufacturing Processes, Reliability Testing, and Product Qualification
• Experience working with ASIC Development Teams through Device Validation and Characterization

Education & Experience

• Bachelor\'s or Master\'s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related field
• 8+ years of experience in Hardware Design and development of complex electronic systems
• Proven experience leading hardware development from architecture, schematic design, board bring-up, and ASIC validation

We’re a dream team of purpose-driven, collaborative and passionate people, and we are constantly looking for others to join #TeamMDA to ignite new and innovative approaches to problem-solving that push us forward to improve life on and above Earth. If you’re excited to expand our place in space and driven to inspire the next generation, we’ll take you there.

We have entered a new era of exploration and development, and MDA Space welcomes all who yearn to suit up and be part of it. An equal opportunity employer prizing diversity, integrity and collaboration, we are committed to growing MDA Space’s leadership in this next golden age.

Security & Compliance

BPSS is for UK roles only: Comments/Special Considerations:

We are required to conduct a BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) screening in which we will check your:

• Right to work: To confirm that you are entitled to take up the position as well as check your nationality and immigration status
• Identity: Full ID check
• Criminal records: Basic Disclosure
• Employment history check: Confirmation of past three years of employment (minimum) history/activity
• Reference checks

Benefits

MDA Space provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at all locations. As a team member of MDA, you and your qualified dependents are eligible to participate in a benefit plan that ensures a comprehensive level of protection through competitive health care including; private healthcare, disability income protection, life insurance, pension plan; and an employee assistance program.

Equal Opportunity

MDA Space is an equal opportunity employer prizing diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please feel free to notify us.

Accommodations

MDA Space is proud to provide accommodation(s) during the recruitment process. Should you require any accommodations, please indicate this on your application/cover letter and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.