Hardware Design Engineer
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Designs and qualifies spacecraft avionics hardware at Catalyx Space in Ahmedabad — taking onboard computer, power, communication, ADCS, and payload-interface electronics from schematics through PCB layout, testing, and space qualification. Core work involves Altium/KiCad/OrCAD PCB design, FMECA and reliability analysis, component procurement, and environmental testing (TVAC, vibration, EMI/EMC).
We are looking for a Hardware Design Engineer to design, develop, and qualify spacecraft avionics hardware. This includes schematics for the Onboard Computer (OBC), subsystem controllers, payload interfaces, and mission-specific electronics. You will be responsible for taking designs from concept through schematics, PCB layout, testing, and qualification, while ensuring compliance with space standards. The role also requires performing FMECA, component procurement, and supporting cross-functional teams in building reliable hardware for space missions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design schematics for OBC, EPS, communication units, ADCS, and payload interfaces.
- Develop, simulate, and validate circuits for power regulation, signal conditioning, and digital/analog interfaces.
- Own PCB design lifecycle: schematic capture, PCB layout, component selection, BOM preparation, and documentation.
- Perform FMECA for all designed hardware.
- Procure components, ensuring space-grade/reliable part selection, vendor qualification, and availability.
- Conduct design reviews (internal and cross-team) to ensure compliance with mission/system requirements.
- Work with mechanical and thermal teams for board integration into spacecraft structure.
- Develop test procedures and validate boards through functional, environmental (TVAC, vibration, EMI/EMC), and reliability testing.
- Interface with software engineers to ensure hardware-software co-design and integration.
- Responsible for creating and maintaining comprehensive documentation of all hardware designs, test procedures, and results for traceability and mission heritage.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- B.E./B.Tech or M.E./M.Tech in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Avionics, or related field.
- 2–6 years of experience in hardware design for aerospace/defense/embedded systems.
- Strong knowledge of digital/analog circuit design, microcontrollers, and sensor interfaces.
- Hands-on experience with schematic & PCB design tools (Altium Designer, KiCad, OrCAD, or Cadence Allegro).
- Familiarity with circuit simulation tools (LTSpice, PSpice, or equivalent).
- Understanding of EMI/EMC, grounding, and signal integrity best practices.
- Knowledge of space-grade/radiation-tolerant components, derating guidelines, and reliability analysis.
- Proficiency in FMECA, worst-case analysis, and component reliability assessment.
- Experience with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, power supplies).
- Good knowledge of design documentation and configuration control practices.
Nice to Have (Preferred):
- Experience with FPGA/CPLD design and hardware-software co-design.
- Knowledge of ECSS/NASA/IPC standards for space hardware development.
- Familiarity with system-level avionics integration and debugging.
- Prior experience with CubeSat/small satellite avionics hardware.
- Exposure to CAD tools for board-mechanical integration (SolidWorks, Fusion 360)
- Willingness to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed.