About Magdrive
Magdrive is developing the next generation of spacecraft propulsion. Our cutting-edge thruster technology promises to deliver unmatched thrust and efficiency, enabling accessibility to new orbits and entirely new industries such as satellite servicing, orbital assembly, and interplanetary transport . We are also starting to develop recycling & refuelling approaches for future spacecraft propulsion.
We offer a supportive and flexible work environment, with the ability to adjust work hours, hybrid working, competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, and regular company socials. Magdrive is based at the Harwell Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire, UK, with occasional remote working possible.
About the role
As an Junior Embedded Electronics Engineer at Magdrive, you will design and develop the embedded systems that control our thrusters and ground support equipment, from circuit design and PCB layout through to firmware development and hardware validation. You’ll prototype, test and refine electronics to ensure robustness and reliability for flight, working closely with mechanical, software and propulsion engineers to integrate systems seamlessly. This is a hands-on role at the intersection of hardware and software, shaping high-performance embedded systems that take Magdrive technology from concept to space-ready reality.
What you will be doing
- Work with the electrical team to design and develop embedded systems for the Magdrive thruster and ground support units
- Develop firmware to support board bring-up, functional validation and system integration
- Support hardware-in-the-loop and subsystem testing, analysing results and debugging issues across the hardware/software boundary
- Support interaction with manufacturing partners and reviews
- Produce clear documentation for firmware, interface definitions and test procedures
Who we are looking for
Essential
- Degree in electronic engineering, computer science or relevant industrial experience
- Good understanding of embedded systems fundamentals, including microcontrollers and common communication interfaces (UART, RS-422, SPI, I2C, CAN)
- Experience designing and laying out embedded PCBs with tools such as KiCAD, Altium, Eagle (academic, internship or personal projects acceptable)
- Experience developing embedded software in C/C++
- Hands-on familiarity with debugging embedded systems using oscilloscopes, logic analysers or debuggers
- Strong problem-solving skills and enthusiasm for tackling complex, real-world hardware challenges in a multidisciplinary team environment
Desirable
- Familiarity with industry standards for PCB design and manufacturing
- Experience with version control (e.g. Git), CI/CD and hardware-in-the-loop testing
- Exposure to real-time operating systems (e.g. FreeRTOS, RTEMS).
- Good understanding of design for manufacturability, assembly, and test
What we offer
💷 Salary: £30k – £40k per annum (DOE)
🌴 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + Birthdays, and long-service awards (up to 30 days)
🏥 Private medical insurance
⏰ Flexible working hours
💻 Remote working where possible
🏡 Financial support for home office setup
🌴 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + Birthdays, and long-service awards (up to 30 days)
🏥 Private medical insurance
⏰ Flexible working hours
💻 Remote working where possible
🏡 Financial support for home office setup
