Principal Avionics Engineer

Job Description

As part of our continued growth within the Space sector, we are seeking a Principal Avionics Engineer to provide technical leadership on the development of next-generation space systems.

This role is ideal for a senior engineer looking to drive avionics strategy, architecture, and delivery while mentoring engineering teams and contributing to technically complex programmes.

• Location: London
• On Site: 1-2x a month
• Clearance: Clearable 
• Experience Level: Mid Level

Key Responsibilities:

• Leading the development and definition of spacecraft avionics architectures.
• Driving technical decisions and providing subject matter expertise across avionics disciplines.
• Defining avionics requirements and ensuring alignment with system-level objectives.
• Supporting the integration of onboard computing, communications, power management, and data handling systems.
• Managing avionics interfaces across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Leading engineering trade studies, risk assessments, and technical investigations.
• Supporting verification, validation, qualification, and acceptance activities.
• Contributing to design reviews and customer-facing technical discussions.
• Mentoring and supporting junior engineers within the team.

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• Significant experience in avionics engineering for spacecraft, satellites, launch systems, or other space platforms.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft avionics architectures and subsystem integration.
• Experience leading technical activities within complex engineering programmes.
• Knowledge of onboard data handling systems, flight computers, communications systems, and electrical architectures.
• Experience with requirements management, verification, and validation processes.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and full product lifecycle development.
• Experience managing technical interfaces across multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to produce and review high-quality technical documentation.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience with ECSS standards and space-qualified hardware development.
• Knowledge of spacecraft communications, telemetry, telecommand, and onboard networking architectures.
• Familiarity with embedded systems, flight software, and avionics integration activities.
• Experience supporting Assembly, Integration & Test (AIT) and qualification campaigns.
• Understanding of fault tolerance, redundancy architectures, and mission assurance principles.
• Experience participating in major programme reviews such as SRR, PDR, CDR, and qualification reviews.
• Previous technical leadership or team mentoring experience.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and customer-facing communication skills.
• Experience working within consultancy or multi-partner delivery environments.

Additional Information

Why join us? 

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short you get: 

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style 
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme 
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. 

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.