Principal Control & Instrumentation Engineer
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
About the roleAs an JuniorEmbedded Electronics Engineer at Magdrive, you will design and develop the embedded systems that control our thrusters and ground support equipment, from circuit design and PCB layout through to firmware development and hardware validation. You'll prototype, test and refine electronics to ensure robustness and reliability for flight, working closely with mechanical, software and propulsion engineers to integrate systems seamlessly. This is a hands-on role at the intersection of hardware and software, shaping high-performance embedded systems that take Magdrive technology from concept to space-ready reality.
What you will be doing
Work with the electrical team to design and develop embedded systems for the Magdrive thruster and ground support units
Develop firmware to support board bring-up, functional validation and system integration
Support hardware-in-the-loop and subsystem testing, analysing results and debugging issues across the hardware/software boundary
Support interaction with manufacturing partners and reviews
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Requirements
Degree in electronic engineering, computer science or relevant industrial experience
Good understanding of embedded systems fundamentals, including microcontrollers and common communication interfaces (UART, RS-422, SPI, I2C, CAN)
Experience designing and laying out embedded PCBs with tools such as KiCAD, Altium, Eagle (academic, internship or personal projects acceptable)
Experience developing embedded software in C/C++
Hands-on familiarity with debugging embedded systems using oscilloscopes, logic analysers or debuggers
Strong problem-solving skills and enthusiasm for tackling complex, real-world hardware challenges in a multidisciplinary team environment
Familiarity with industry standards for PCB design and manufacturing
Experience with version control (e.g. Git), CI/CD and hardware-in-the-loop testing
Exposure to real-time operating systems (e.g. FreeRTOS, RTEMS).
Good understanding of design for manufacturability, assembly, and test
Benefits & conditions
We offer a supportive and flexible work environment, with the ability to adjust work hours, hybrid working, competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, and regular company socials. Magdrive is based at the Harwell Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire, UK, with occasional remote working possible.