Avionics & Electrical Engineer

Destinus; Katwijk; On-site; EUR 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Destinus in the Netherlands seeks a senior avionics architect to own the electrical architecture of the exo-atmospheric interceptor, coordinating the flight computer, power system, and overall electrical design within strict mass, volume, and power budgets. You will lead integration with GNC, propulsion, and mechanical teams to ensure robust vehicle performance.

The role requires hands-on engineering with 10+ years in avionics for missiles, spacecraft, or aircraft, plus strong verification and

Qualifications

• Hands-on engineer from architecture through integration and test.
• Strong systems integration across avionics domains.
• Deep understanding of electrical interfaces and budgets (mass/volume/power).
• Experience with flight computers and power-system hardware from design to testing.

Responsibilities

• Own the avionics architecture, including the flight computer and power system.
• Design or procure flight electronics and integrate sensing, navigation, propulsion, and control hardware.
• Specify and integrate electronics supporting the vehicle’s navigation systems.
• Size and manage the power system and define electrical interfaces between subsystems, ground systems, and launch equipment.
• Plan and execute avionics integration, interface, environmental, and qualification testing, analyzing results against requirements.
• Collaborate with GNC, mechanical, propulsion, and software teams for vehicle-level integration.

Skills

Hands-on engineering

Systems integration

Electrical interfaces

Testing & verification

Power budgeting

Education

BSc/MSc/PhD in Electrical or Aerospace Engineering

Job description

Imagine this, you own the electronics at the heart of an exo-atmospheric interceptor, from the flight computer and power system to the electrical architecture connecting every critical subsystem.

Bliksem Exo is a four-nation European consortium developing an anti-ballistic missile system at operational pace. Destinus is the programme prime and responsible for the exo-atmospheric interceptor, engineered for affordability and production at scale.

In this role, you will define the avionics architecture, design or procure the hardware, integrate it into the vehicle, and prove it through testing. You will work closely with GNC, propulsion, and mechanical engineering to build an electrical system that performs reliably under demanding flight and storage conditions.

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

• Own the avionics architecture, including the flight computer, power system, and overall electrical architecture within mass, volume, and power constraints
• Design or procure flight electronics and integrate sensing, navigation, propulsion, and control hardware into a complete electrical system
• Specify and integrate the electronics supporting the vehicle’s navigation systems
• Size and manage the power system and define electrical interfaces between vehicle subsystems, ground systems, and launch equipment
• Plan and execute avionics integration, interface, environmental, and qualification testing, analysing results against requirements
• Work across GNC, mechanical, propulsion, and software teams to resolve interfaces and drive vehicle‑level integration

Who You Are

• You are a hands‑on engineer who takes ownership from architecture through integration and test
• You understand how individual electronic systems come together at vehicle level
• You are rigorous about interfaces, reliability, and verification
• You thrive in a small technical team where decisions move quickly and engineering ownership matters
• BSc, MSc, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience designing and integrating avionics or flight electronics for missiles, spacecraft, aircraft, or comparable systems
• Hands‑on experience with flight computers and power‑system hardware from design or procurement through integration and testing
• Practical experience integrating sensors, actuators, electronics, and other subsystems into a complete vehicle
• Strong understanding of electrical interfaces and mass, volume, and power budgets
• Nice to Have
  • Experience with embedded software or close integration between flight hardware and software
  • Experience with environmental and EMC qualification
  • Experience designing electronics for long‑term storage or canister‑life requirements