Avionics System Engineer (Flight Computer System)

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

We are looking for an Avionics Systems Engineer (Flight Computer System) to support the design, development, integration, and validation of spacecraft avionics systems. The role entails delivering robust and reliable electronic systems for data handling, communications, and control across all mission phases.

The engineer will contribute to system architecture definition, interface management, verification activities, and requirements engineering, while working closely with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders. In this role, you will be focused on the Flight Computing system of the spacecraft, but you might also be assigned to different avionics systems.

Key Responsibilities

System Design & Architecture

• Define and develop avionics system architectures, including electronics, data handling, and communication functions.

• Ensure end-to-end consistency of data flows, interfaces, and system-level requirements.

• Contribute to spacecraft-level trade-offs between performance, reliability, mass, power, and cost.

• Define computing requirements for processing capability, memory, storage, timing, synchronization, boot and initialization, and operational modes.

• Develop architectural concepts for fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR), fault containment, redundancy management, and autonomous spacecraft operations.

• Develop network topology, interface control documents (ICDs), data flow diagrams, communication matrices, and interface specifications.

Communications & Data Handling

• Define onboard and ground-related communication and data handling concepts.

• Support implementation of telemetry, telecommand, and data distribution architectures.

• Ensure reliable data acquisition, processing, storage, and transmission under mission constraints.

• Contribute to bandwidth, timing, and data budget analyses.

Integration & Interface Management

• Define and manage interfaces between avionics and other spacecraft subsystems (power, propulsion, GNC, payload, etc.).

• Ensure compatibility between spacecraft, launch vehicle, and ground segment interfaces.

• Coordinate interface definitions with internal teams, suppliers, and external stakeholders.

External Regulatory & Certification Leadership

Strong ability to technically present, defend, and substantiate avionics subsystem designs and verification evidence with external regulatory and certification authorities, including NASA, ESA, and other government agencies, supporting spacecraft qualification, safety, and flight certification.

Verification & Validation

• Define and support verification and validation strategies for avionics systems.

• Participate in simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and system-level testing activities.

• Analyze test results, identify anomalies, and drive corrective actions.

• Ensure compliance with system performance and reliability requirements.

Requirements Engineering

• Capture, analyze, and manage system and subsystem requirements.

• Ensure full traceability from mission objectives to implementation and validation.

• Contribute to system documentation, including specifications, interface control documents, and test plans.

• Ensure compliance with applicable space standards and engineering best practices.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with software, hardware, systems, operations, and mission engineering teams.

• Participate in design reviews, technical exchanges, and system trade-off discussions.

• Support alignment with external partners, suppliers, and customers.

• Contribute to integration campaigns, launch preparation, and mission operations support.

Required Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or equivalent.

• 5+ years experience in avionics systems, electronics, embedded systems, or spacecraft engineering.

• Strong understanding of:

  • Electronic and embedded system architectures

  • Communication and data handling principles

  • System integration and interface management

• Experience with requirements engineering and system lifecycle development.

• Knowledge of verification and validation methods, including testing and simulation.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work in multidisciplinary engineering environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in spacecraft avionics or aerospace systems.

• Familiarity with space communication and data standards (e.g., CCSDS).

• Experience with HIL testing, simulation environments, or digital engineering tools.

• Exposure to safety-critical or mission-critical system development.

• Experience working in international or multi-stakeholder engineering teams.

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