Our client is seeking a Lead Embedded Hardware Engineer / Hardware Lead to design and develop a highly miniaturized, high-performance avionics hardware platform. We are specifically looking for a senior engineer who has personally owned PCB design through to miniaturised production and is comfortable being the final technical authority on the hardware. You will own the full hardware lifecycle from schematic design and PCB layout through to prototyping, testing, and mass production. You will be responsible for developing:
The AeroNode processing hub (STM32-based flight computation system)
The H1 headset electronics (wearable biometric and audio DSP system)
High-density, safety-critical embedded PCB systems for aviation applications
Required Experience & Skills
5β7+ years in embedded hardware and PCB design
Strong experience with high-density, multi-layer PCB layout
Proven ability in high-speed digital design and signal integrity
Strong knowledge of STM32 microcontroller architecture
Experience with EMI-sensitive designs (GPS, magnetometers, RF systems)
Hands-on hardware debugging capability
Experience with wearable or rigid-flex PCB design
Demonstrated experience owning PCB development from concept, design, prototyping, validation, and miniaturised production
Ability to act as the final technical authority for hardware design decisions
Experience leading hardware development projects and mentoring junior engineers
Advantageous (Bonus) Experience
Drone or aviation hardware experience (Pixhawk, CubePilot, FMUv6x)
Avionics, aerospace, or safety-critical embedded systems
Experience with MRAM, eMMC, or high-reliability storage systems
Familiarity with EKF-based navigation or flight control systems
Key Responsibilities
End-to-end PCB design using Altium Designer or KiCad
Design of multi-layer, high-density embedded avionics hardware
Integration of sensors and modules including IMUs, barometers, magnetometers, GNSS, and wireless communication systems
High-speed interface design (SPI, I2C, USB, SDIO) with strong signal integrity control
EMI/EMC mitigation, particularly for GPS and magnetometer performance
Design of rigid-flex PCBs for wearable electronics
Collaboration with mechanical engineers on vibration, thermal, and enclosure design
Support prototyping, debugging, and validation using lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analysers)
Manage DFM/DFA and transition from prototype to production
Provide technical leadership and final sign-off on hardware architecture, design reviews, and production readiness