Avionics & Electrical Engineer

Destinus; Katwijk; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Destinus is a leading defense technology partner driving advanced aerospace solutions in Europe. The role focuses on owning the avionics architecture—from flight computer to power systems—and integrating sensing, navigation, propulsion, and control hardware into a single coherent electrical system.

You will collaborate with GNC, mechanical, propulsion, and software teams, ensuring interfaces meet stringent reliability, verification, and environmental requirements through comprehensive testing

Qualifications

• 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.
• Experience integrating sensors, actuators, electronics, and other subsystems into a complete vehicle.
• Strong understanding of electrical interfaces and mass, volume, and power budgets.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Avionics architecture

Flight electronics

System integration

Testing & qualification

Electrical interfaces

Power systems

Cross-disciplinary teamwork

Education

BSc, MSc or PhD in Electrical Engineering 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