Avionics&SW - Junior Avionics Engineer

At Orbital Paradigm, we design, develop, manufacture, and operate reusable orbital logistics systems. Our spacecraft perform multiple orbital mission profiles and return safely to Earth through hypersonic atmospheric reentry and landing with pinpoint accuracy for rapid refurbishment and reuse.

Role Description

We are looking for a Junior Avionics Engineer to join our avionics team and support the design, development, integration, and testing of avionics systems for our reusable orbital logistics vehicles.

The role covers avionics architecture, on-board computers, electronic hardware, EEE parts selection, harnessing, electrical and data interfaces, EGSE, and verification activities. The engineer will work closely with systems, GNC, software, mechanical, and AIT teams to develop reliable avionics solutions and support them from design through integration, testing, and qualification.

This role is suited for an early-career engineer with strong fundamentals, hands-on project experience, and clear motivation to work on spacecraft avionics.

Key Responsibilities

• Support avionics design, integration, and testing activities under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Assist with the development and review of electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, pinouts, and interface documentation.
• Support harness design activities, including routing, connector selection, labeling, and continuity checks.
• Assist with the selection and documentation of electronic components, connectors, sensors, actuators, and EEE parts.
• Support board-level bring-up, debugging, and validation activities for avionics hardware.
• Participate in laboratory testing, functional testing, and system-level avionics test campaigns.
• Support EGSE setup, configuration, operation, and basic troubleshooting.
• Assist with electrical and data interface verification between avionics units and spacecraft subsystems.
• Perform measurements and checks using laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and logic analyzers.
• Support environmental and qualification test preparation, execution, and post-test checks.
• Document test results, non-conformances, and technical findings clearly and accurately.
• Collaborate with avionics, software, systems, GNC, mechanical, and AIT teams during integration and test activities.
• Contribute to design reviews and test readiness reviews by preparing supporting material and technical inputs.

Required Qualifications

• 0–1 years of professional experience in aerospace, electronics, avionics, or related technical fields.
• Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Hands-on technical experience through participation in a rocketry team, Formula Student team, CubeSat project, robotics team, equivalent engineering club, or an applicable internship at a relevant aerospace company or startup.
• Basic understanding of electrical/electronic systems, circuits, sensors, actuators, and embedded hardware.
• Basic understanding of avionics systems, electrical interfaces, and spacecraft or aerospace electronics.
• Exposure to electronic design, hardware integration, avionics testing, laboratory work, or system-level testing.
• Familiarity with schematics, PCB basics, wiring diagrams, pinouts, connectors, and electrical documentation.
• Basic familiarity with communication protocols and interfaces such as CAN, UART, SPI, I2C, Ethernet, RS-422/485, or SpaceWire.
• Basic familiarity with laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, logic analyzers, or data acquisition systems.
• Ability to write clear technical documentation, test notes, procedures, and reports.
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to work hands-on during integration and testing activities.
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Full proficiency in English, written and spoken.

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic exposure to aerospace industry standards such as ECSS, NASA, or MIL
• Basic proficiency with one or more programming languages such as Python and MATLAB.
• Experience in a startup, student team, laboratory, or small engineering team with fast design-build-test iterations.
• Experience with on-board computers, embedded hardware, sensors, actuators, harnessing, or communication buses.
• Knowledge of electrical CAD, PCB design, or harness design tools.
• Exposure to EGSE, test automation, data acquisition, or laboratory instrumentation.
• Exposure to environmental testing, EMC/EMI testing, vibration testing, or thermal-vacuum testing.
• Basic awareness of aerospace standards such as ECSS, NASA, or MIL.
• Basic awareness of EEE components, component selection, derating, availability, or reliability considerations.
• Good proficiency in Spanish

What We Value

• Excellence in technical work, execution, and professional conduct
• Strong ownership mindset, with the ability to drive activities to clear outcomes through accountability, proactivity, and resourcefulness
• Clear, efficient, direct, and constructive communication
• Team-first attitude with low ego and strong cross-functional collaboration

What We Offer

• Location: Madrid, Spain (office-first)
• Flexible hybrid work (2 days/week from home + 2 fully remote weeks/year)
• Salary depending on experience and profile
• Relocation package depending on seniority and profile
• Flexible compensation (meal vouchers, health insurance, public transport)