Hardware Design Engineer - Space Avionics

Catalyx Space in Ahmedabad, India, is seeking a skilled Hardware Design Engineer to contribute to the design, development, and qualification of spacecraft avionics hardware. This role involves creating schematics for critical components such as the Onboard Computer (OBC), subsystem controllers, payload interfaces, and mission-specific electronics. You will manage the entire design lifecycle, from initial concept and schematic capture through PCB layout, rigorous testing, and final qualification, ensuring strict adherence to space standards. Responsibilities also include performing Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA), managing component procurement with a focus on space-grade reliability, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to build robust hardware for successful space missions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design schematics for essential spacecraft systems including the Onboard Computer (OBC), Electrical Power System (EPS), communication units, Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS), and payload interfaces.
• Develop, simulate, and validate complex circuits for power regulation, signal conditioning, and both digital and analog interfaces.
• Manage the complete PCB design process, encompassing schematic capture, detailed PCB layout, strategic component selection, Bill of Materials (BOM) preparation, and comprehensive documentation.
• Conduct thorough FMECA for all hardware designs to identify potential failure modes and ensure system reliability.
• Oversee component procurement, emphasizing the selection of space-grade or highly reliable parts, vendor qualification, and ensuring component availability for project timelines.
• Lead and participate in design reviews, both internal and cross-team, to verify compliance with mission and system requirements.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical and thermal engineering teams to ensure seamless board integration into the spacecraft structure.
• Develop detailed test procedures and validate hardware through comprehensive functional, environmental (Thermal Vacuum, Vibration, EMI/EMC), and reliability testing.
• Liaise with software engineers to facilitate effective hardware-software co-design and integration.
• Maintain meticulous documentation of all hardware designs, test procedures, and results to ensure traceability and build mission heritage.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.)/Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) or Master of Engineering (M.E.)/Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Avionics, or a closely related field.
• 2 to 6 years of hands-on experience in hardware design, specifically within aerospace, defense, or embedded systems.
• Strong foundational knowledge in digital and analog circuit design, microcontrollers, and sensor interfaces.
• Proven experience with schematic and PCB design tools such as Altium Designer, KiCad, OrCAD, or Cadence Allegro.
• Familiarity with circuit simulation tools like LTSpice, PSpice, or equivalent.
• A solid understanding of best practices in EMI/EMC, grounding techniques, and signal integrity.
• Knowledge of space-grade and radiation-tolerant components, derating guidelines, and reliability analysis principles.
• Proficiency in conducting FMECA, worst-case analysis, and component reliability assessments.
• Experience using essential lab equipment, including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and power supplies.
• Good understanding of design documentation standards and configuration control practices.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with FPGA/CPLD design and hardware-software co-design methodologies.
• Knowledge of industry standards such as ECSS, NASA, or IPC for space hardware development.
• Familiarity with system-level avionics integration and troubleshooting.
• Previous experience designing avionics hardware for CubeSats or small satellites.
• Exposure to CAD tools for board-mechanical integration, such as SolidWorks or Fusion 360.