Principal Hardware Engineer

Ramon.Space is building the computing infrastructure that enables the next generation of space missions.

Our technology brings high-performance, low-power, reliable computing, storage and connectivity to satellites, supporting missions ranging from small satellites through to deep-space exploration. Our hardware and software platforms are already flying on demanding space missions, helping customers process and move increasing volumes of data in orbit.

We’re now looking for a Principal Hardware Engineer to join our UK R&D team and play a key role in developing the next generation of our spaceflight hardware.

The opportunity:

This is a hands-on, technically influential role for an experienced hardware engineer who enjoys working at the intersection of complex digital hardware, embedded systems, high-speed design and space applications.

You’ll take ownership across the hardware development lifecycle, from architecture and component selection through schematic design, PCB development, bring-up, qualification and production release.

You’ll also work closely with colleagues across FPGA/RTL, firmware, software, systems, mechanical engineering, validation, NPI and procurement, making sure the hardware and software come together as a reliable, high-performance system.

This is an opportunity to have a genuine influence on hardware that ultimately operates in space.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead the design, development and optimisation of complex digital and analogue hardware for satellite communications and embedded processing systems.
• Own hardware development from requirements and architecture through to implementation, bring-up, qualification and release.
• Define electrical specifications, select components and support schematic capture, PCB layout and NPI handover.
• Work closely with mechanical engineers throughout the product development lifecycle, considering mechanical, thermal and environmental requirements.
• Lead and contribute to high-speed digital design, signal integrity and power integrity analysis, simulation and debugging.
• Work with technologies including high-speed interfaces such as JESD204C and DDR4, alongside high-current, low-power delivery networks.
• Support hardware and software integration, working closely with FPGA, firmware and software engineers to ensure robust low-level HW/SW integration.
• Carry out hands-on laboratory work, including board bring-up, debugging, validation and fault finding from early prototypes through to production hardware.
• Support EMI/EMC, RF, thermal and dynamic simulation and validation activities.
• Troubleshoot complex hardware issues across both development and deployed systems.
• Contribute to hardware verification, qualification and reliability testing for demanding space environments.
• Support hardware integration and New Product Introduction (NPI) activities.
• Maintain clear and thorough hardware design, development and test documentation.
• Keep up to date with emerging technologies and best practice across high-performance embedded and spaceflight hardware.

What we’re looking for:

We’re looking for someone with substantial experience designing complex embedded hardware, ideally within space, aerospace, defence or another high-reliability environment.

You’ll ideally have:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Strong experience designing complex embedded-system boards.
• A proven track record in hardware design and development, ideally for space, aerospace or military-grade applications.
• Strong understanding of hardware architecture, design methodologies and development practices.
• Significant experience with high-speed digital design, signal integrity and power integrity.
• Experience with schematic capture and PCB design for complex, multi-layer boards.
• Strong understanding of the relationship between electronics, firmware and software when developing complete systems.
• Experience working across multiple R&D disciplines, including FPGA/RTL, firmware, software, validation, NPI and procurement.
• Strong practical experience with board bring-up, laboratory debugging and hardware validation.
• Experience working within agile development environments.

It would be particularly valuable if you have experience with:

• Radiation-hardened components and space-qualified design practices.
• Hardware verification and validation for spaceflight.
• High-speed interfaces and design at 28Gbps+.
• RF front-end design.
• Digital communications and satellite communications protocols.
• 5G waveforms, DVB-S2X or CCSDS modems.
• Xilinx toolchains and FPGA ecosystems.
• Board bring-up and BSP development.
• EMC and electromagnetic compatibility considerations.
• System-level design and integration.
• Delivering projects led by the European Space Agency (ESA).
• Working with and managing external subcontractors.

Why Ramon.Space?

You’ll be joining a team working on genuinely challenging engineering problems where performance, reliability and efficiency matter.

The hardware you develop won’t simply sit in a lab. It will be designed to operate in some of the most demanding environments imaginable, enabling spacecraft to process, store and communicate increasing volumes of data while operating within extremely tight power and reliability constraints.

If you’re an experienced hardware engineer who wants to work on technically ambitious products with a direct path from design bench to space, we’d love to hear from you.