Head of Avionics - Space Exploration

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.

As the Avionics lead , you will play a critical role in the design, development, and deployment of modular and reusable spacecraft, such as Nyx. You will lead the Avionics team in overseeing spacecraft integration, verification and certification while driving innovation and ensuring project milestones are met on time and with the highest technical quality. Location either France (Bordeaux), Italy (Turin), Germany (Munich).

Key Responsibilities

•  Build and lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary team capable of executing the full development lifecycle of avionics systems from concept through qualification and integration.

• Define system requirements and architecture for avionics, communication, and power systems. For make elements: lead breadboard activities, PCB design, FPGA programming, integration, testing, and qualification. For buy elements: select suppliers, oversee development, and ensure delivery of qualified hardware.

• Ensure power system design supports mission requirements, closing power budgets and validating that the concept of operations aligns with overall system constraints and performance needs.

• Collaborate closely with software, GNC, and flight computing teams to define and implement a cohesive system architecture across all onboard subsystems.

• Set up and manage the Hardware-in-the-Loop environment to validate system architecture and run mission-level simulations, ensuring robust fault management and system resilience.

In your capacity as the  Avionics Lead, your role will be continuously evolving, but day to day your duties will include to oversee & participate in the following:

1. Avionics System Design: Lead the design and development of avionics equipment, including but not limited to flight control systems, communication systems and other mission-critical avionics components.

2. Requirements Analysis: Collaborate with system architects and stakeholders to understand and translate system requirements into detailed avionics equipment specifications.

3. Simulation and Modelling: Utilise simulation tools to model and simulate avionics systems, ensuring that they meet performance and safety requirements. Optimise designs for efficiency and reliability.

4. Prototyping and Testing: Develop prototypes of avionics equipment in collaboration with our electronics design engineers for testing and validation. Conduct rigorous testing to verify functionality, performance, and reliability at board level and equipment level. Identify and address any issues through iterative testing.

5. Documentation: Prepare comprehensive design documentation, including Interface Control Document (ICD), bills of materials (BOM), Assembly Procedures, design verification plans, and test reports. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of design changes.

6. Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers, software developers, Reliability Availability Maintainability Safety (RAMS) Expert and integration teams, to ensure seamless integration of avionics equipment into overall spacecraft systems.

7. Continuous Learning: Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and advancements in avionics design. Continuously enhance knowledge and skills through professional development activities.

What we would love to see from you

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

• Proven experience in avionics equipment design, with a focus on aerospace applications.

• Proficiency in avionics design tools and software

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

• Knowledge of safety-critical design principles

• Familiarity with Reliability, Availability, Maintainability & Safety (RAMS) aspects : Failure Mode, Effects & Criticality Analysis (FMECA), Fault/Failure Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FDIR), etc…

• Familiarity with environmental and reliability considerations in avionics design

• VHDL / Verilog basic knowledge

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams

• Leadership experience 6-10 years+

• Meticulous attention to detail in design, analysis, and documentation.

• Hands on mentality at testing and problem debugging

• Has lead (multinational) teams

• Experience with EEE & 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.  

Cherry Ventures is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status.