Electronics Engineer

Our Company

At Distributed Avionics we specialise in high-reliability flight control solutions for drone platforms with one aim, to set the standards within drone avionics. Designed and built in the UK, our autopilot system utilises Masterless control technology to bring unparalleled levels of safety to any platform.

Our cloud-based Distributed Control software maintains connection to the platform from any location, our software provides BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) control to any platform using Masterless technology and our hardware has been certified to IP68 and our team is IPC trained and registered.

We are setting new standards in drone and UAV regulation in the areas of air risk, airworthiness and technical competence and there has never been a better time to join us!

Our Role

Distributed Avionics are seeking an enthusiastic and capable individual to fulfil the role of Electronics Engineer within our Hardware Team. The role will be based at our offices located at the state-of-the-art facilities within the University of Southampton Science Park Engineering Centre and Innovation Hub. The requirement for this role is excitedly driven by our rapid growth and a need to expand the team.

The primary focus of the role will be the development of next-generation UAV avionics systems, including power conversion systems, embedded network solutions, and intelligent sensing. The candidate should be comfortable working in a design office, laboratory, and field-testing environment and they will follow the product from draft stage through to installation in end application. The role will involve, but is not limited to, circuit design and simulation, schematic capture, PCBA design, and laboratory testing and evaluation.

Your Approach

We are seeking a self-starter who is keen to contribute to the avionics design with suggestions and solutions to help improve the overall system. The candidate will demonstrate a solid understanding and past record of electronics design, prototyping, and productization. Additionally, the candidate should have excellent attention to detail and a keen eye for quality. Finally, a strong work ethic, solid communication, and good attitude and approach to new skills are the most important qualities.

By choosing a career with Distributed Avionics you will be joining a highly ambitious team with the aim of disrupting current autopilot solutions. You will be part of a growing team that works closely with our in-house flight software and manufacturing teams as we develop a reliable, easy-to-use, and safety critical state-of-the-art Masterless Control autopilot. Distributed Avionics is part of the Windracers Group who produce the most advanced operational logistics drones available today.

Role Foundations

2:1 degree minimum (or equivalent) STEM subject (ideally Electronics or Mechatronics)
A minimum of 2-3 year s experience
Highly technically capable with good logical reasoning and ability to learn new skills
Effective communication, presentation skills, and superb attention to detail

Core Competencies

Circuit design and simulation using SPICE
Component selection and multi-layer PCBA design
Communications interfaces: UART, I2C, SPI, Ethernet, CAN bus
Prototyping, testing, and debugging
Creation of engineering documentation

Ideal by no means essential

Power electronics, SMPS, analogue circuits
Knowledge of STM32 microcontrollers
Experience with Altium Designer
Enclosure/mechanical design with SolidWorks
Practical skills (hand soldering and PCB mods)
UAV industry and flight-testing knowledge

Responsibilities & Scope

Design of innovative UAV avionics systems as well as upkeep and support of existing designs
Support with flight and field testing of UAVs and associated sub-systems
Collaboration with the wider design team including manufacturing and flight software

What You Can Expect in Return

Innovative and modern working environment
Recruitment Referral Scheme
People Recognition Award
Company social events
On-site gym with reduced membership fees
On-site nursery
Ample free on-site parking with EV charging points
Secure bike shed (showers & lockers on-site)
Hybrid and flexible working approach
Company pension scheme enrolment
Support with professional learning and development
25 days of annual leave

Application Process

Please submit a cover letter and CV detailing the job title within the subject of your email. Applications will be taken until 10 May 2024.

This is a full time 37.5 hours role worked Monday to Friday, flexibility will be required to support our flight testing. Consideration to part-time applications can be requested. Hybrid working is supported, a minimum 80% per week presence is required in our Head Office.

Regrettably we are not able to progress applications that may require skilled worker/ visa sponsorship.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates. The salary advertised is a guideline for this position. The offered renumeration will be dependent on the extent of your experience, qualifications, and skill set.