Senior Electronics Engineer

About Archangel Lightworks

Archangel Lightworks is a laser communications company building wireless technology. Founded in 2017, we believe that laser communications to and from satellites is a key component of next-generation infrastructure. Our core product, the TERRA-M, is a deployable optical ground station with proven capability for space – ground data transfer.

Our team develops and operates products that advance the security and resilience of critical national infrastructure. We value compassion, resilience, curiosity, ownership and integrity. Our start-up is a fast-paced and supportive environment, where you can contribute to novel technology with meaningful applications like reducing the Digital Divide.

Archangel Lightworks recently closed over £10 million of investment in an oversubscribed Series A funding round. Our company is also supported by the UK Space Agency, the UK’s Department of Science and Technology (DSIT) and the UK Ministry of Defence.

About the job

We are seeking a Senior Electronics Engineer to lead the design, integration, and testing of complex subsystems within our Optical Communications Terminal. This is a hands-on, highly collaborative role. You’ll work closely with our software, mechanical, and optical teams to ensure that all systems are integration-ready and fully verified for Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT).

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing strategic leadership of the electronics function to meet organisational objectives

Subsystem Ownership, leading the end-to-end development of electrical and electronic subsystems:

• Requirements definition
• Architectural design and trade studies
• Design of electrical parts/systems
• Component selection, procurement, and supplier coordination
• Subsystem assembly and verification
• Maintain power budgets, interface control documents, and system artifacts

Hardware-Software Integration

• Integration at board and subsystem level
• Implement and debug communication protocols (e.g. CAN, SPI, UART, I2C)
• Coordinate with embedded software and firmware teams

PCB and Harness Development

• Support PCB production, documentation, and sign-offs
• Design, test, and maintain system harnessing
• Collaborate with production partners and testing teams
• Delegate work and provide reviews and mentorship to colleagues

Testing & Ground Support

• Participate in formal test campaigns
• Design electrical test equipment
• Ensure subsystem readiness for full AIT flow.

Requirements:

• 5+ years in electronics development with end-to-end ownership of complex electronic subsystems; proven track record delivering to schedule, cost, and quality
• Strong background in electronics design theory, University degree or similar

Demonstrated experience with electrical hardware-software development:

• Schematic design
• PCB layout and testing PCB Component library part creation and maintenance
• Manage engineering documentation and version control (such as Github)
• Electronic component selection
• EMC compliance
• Microcontroller programming and debugging for board bringup

Good knowledge of Electrical design tools

• PCB tools (e.g. Kicad/Altium)
• Simulation (e.g Spice)
• Harness design tools (e.g. RapidHarness)

Experience of mentoring junior engineers.

Desirable additional skills:

• High speed electronics design for communications interfaces (Gbps)
• Design for complex System-on-Chip components (e.g. Xilinx)
• Experience building & testing harnessing; selecting and procuring electrical components
• Exposure to space, aerospace, or high-reliability environments (ECSS or similar)
• Experience designing or supporting production processes from prototype to scaled hardware builds
• Experience in Tooling and process leadership: requirements management (e.g., DOORS/Jama/SysML), CI for hardware/firmware, configuration control, and traceability from requirements to test.

Location: Our office is based in Osney Mead, Oxford. There may be opportunity to work from home as agreed with your line manager. There may be opportunity for periodic business travel.

What we offer:

• Opportunity to work on advanced optical systems to support a world-changing vision
• A collaborative and transparent culture with strong links between functions
• Regular socials and weekly company lunch
• Professional development and skills growth within a specialist engineering field
• Competitive salary and benefits package, with equity options in a growing start-up
• 25 days annual leave allowance plus bank holidays.

Archangel Lightworks is an equal opportunity employer. As part of our commitment to equality, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. If you need any assistance or accommodation to complete your application or assessment, please contact us through the application form.

We recognise that many candidates us AI tools when applying. Please ensure your application reflects your own experience, skills, and thinking. We assess applications based on authenticity and accuracy, so anything generated with AI should be reviewed, personalised, and representative of you.