Head of Avionics

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.

• Play a key role in the design, development, and deployment of modular and reusable spacecraft (e.g., Nyx).

• Lead the Avionics team ( 25+) across integration, verification, and certification activities.

• Drive innovation while ensuring on-time delivery and high technical quality across all avionics systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary avionics team across the full development lifecycle (concept → qualification → integration).

• Define system requirements and architecture for avionics, communication, and power systems.

• Oversee make elements: breadboarding, PCB design, FPGA programming, integration, testing, qualification.

• Manage buy elements: supplier selection, hardware development oversight, delivery of qualified equipment.

• Ensure power system design meets mission requirements, closing power budgets and validating ConOps alignment.

• Collaborate with software, GNC, and flight computing teams to deliver coherent system architecture.

• Set up and manage Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environments for mission-level simulations and fault management validation.

Day-to-Day Duties

• Avionics System Design: Lead design and development of mission-critical avionics (flight control, communications, etc.).

• Requirements Analysis: Translate system-level requirements into detailed avionics specifications.

• Simulation & Modelling: Use simulation tools to verify performance, safety, and reliability; optimise designs.

• Prototyping & Testing:

  • Build prototypes with electronics engineers

  • Conduct board-level and equipment-level testing

  • Troubleshoot through iterative testing

• Documentation: Prepare ICDs, BOMs, assembly procedures, verification plans, and test reports; maintain design change records.

• Collaboration: Work with mechanical, software, RAMS, and integration teams to ensure seamless system-level integration.

• Continuous Learning: Stay updated on industry trends and emerging avionics technologies.

What We Would Love to See

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.

• Proven experience in avionics design for aerospace applications.

• Proficiency in avionics design tools and software.

• Understanding of space-relevant standards (ECSS, MIL-STD, NASA-HBK).

• Knowledge of safety-critical design principles.

• Familiarity with RAMS (FMECA, FDIR, reliability, maintainability, safety).

• Awareness of environmental & reliability considerations in avionics.

• Basic knowledge of VHDL / Verilog.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, verbal, and written communication skills.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

• 6–10+ years of leadership experience, including multinational team leadership.

• High attention to detail in design, analysis, documentation.

• Hands-on mindset for testing and debugging.

• Experience with EEE components and EMI/EMC is a plus.

Why you should join us!

What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:  

• We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind 

• We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them  

• We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?  

We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly. 
 
The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.