Avionics Engineer Jobs

Design and develop the electronic systems that control spacecraft and satellites. A critical role in ensuring mission success and reliability.

Open roles
8
Salary range
£45k – £105k
Hiring companies
6

Avionics Engineers in the UK space sector play a vital role in the design, development, and testing of electronic systems that control spacecraft and satellites. These systems are essential for navigation, communication, and data processing, ensuring the success and reliability of space missions. Avionics Engineers work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including systems engineers, software developers, and scientists, to create cutting-edge solutions for space exploration and Earth observation.

What the role does

Inside the role of an Avionics Engineer

A typical week for an Avionics Engineer is a mix of design work, testing, and collaboration with other teams.

  1. 01
    Design and simulate electronic systems using CAD software.
  2. 02
    Conduct tests and analyses to ensure system reliability.
  3. 03
    Collaborate with software and systems engineers on integration.
  4. 04
    Document design processes and test results.
  5. 05
    Attend project meetings and provide technical updates.
  6. 06
    Stay updated with the latest advancements in avionics technology.
Salary on the board

£45k – £105k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 4 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority
£k base
Mid
60
75
1 job
Senior
45
65
1 job
Lead
80
90
1 job
Director
95
105
1 job
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 6 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Avionics
50%
DO-178C
50%
Avionics Systems
33%
EASA Part 21J
33%
Certification
33%
Aircraft Modification
33%
Flight Control Systems
33%
Fly-by-Wire
33%
DO-254
33%
ARP4754B
33%
eVTOL
33%
ARP4754A
33%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for avionics engineers. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior Avionics Engineer

    0–2 yrs

    Assist in the design and testing of avionics systems, working under the guidance of senior engineers.

  2. Level 2

    Avionics Engineer

    2–5 yrs

    Take ownership of specific avionics subsystems, leading design and testing efforts.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Avionics Engineer

    5–10 yrs

    Lead complex avionics projects, mentor junior engineers, and ensure system integration.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Avionics Engineer

    10+ yrs

    Oversee multiple avionics projects, drive innovation, and provide strategic direction.

Pathway

How to become a Avionics Engineer

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Education and Entry

    Complete a degree in electrical or aerospace engineering. Gain relevant experience through internships or entry-level roles.

  2. 2

    Specialisation

    Focus on avionics systems, gaining expertise in areas like navigation, communication, and control systems.

  3. 3

    Project Leadership

    Take on leadership roles in avionics projects, managing teams and ensuring successful system integration.

  4. 4

    Advanced Roles

    Advance to senior and principal roles, driving innovation and strategic direction in avionics engineering.

  5. 5

    Industry Expert

    Become a recognised expert in the field, contributing to industry standards and mentoring the next generation of engineers.

Live jobs

8 live roles

Electrical/Avionics Design Engineer

This role involves working on complex and innovative aircraft modification projects, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and customer specifications. You will lead design and certification activities, compile engineering documentation, and support customers during the embodiment phase of projects.

Line Up Aviation Frimley, Surrey, United Kingdom
Hybrid Contract

Avionics Design Engineer & CVE's

This role involves designing and certifying electrical and avionics systems for large commercial aircraft modifications within a regulated EASA Part 21J environment. You'll produce detailed design documentation, support certification efforts, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure compliance with airworthiness standards. The position supports complex, safety-critical projects with global operators and includes occasional customer engagement and travel.

Shorterm Group Camberley, Surrey, GU15 3SA, United Kingdom £60,000 – £75,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent
Spire logo

GNC Engineer - Avionics

As a GNC/AOCS Engineer - Avionics at Spire, you will operate as part of a technical team who maintains responsibility across the full lifecycle of the Spire GNC product and its subcomponents. The GNC team interfaces directly with many engineering...

Spire Glasgow, Alba / Scotland, G2 1AL, United Kingdom

Chief Engineer — Avionics and Flight Systems

This role involves leading the end-to-end avionics and flight systems architecture for a next-generation aerospace programme, including fly-by-wire flight controls, sensor integration, and detect-and-avoid systems. The engineer will define the technical direction from concept through certification, ensuring compliance with aviation safety standards while enabling future autonomous capabilities. Close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is required to align avionics design with structural, software, and certification requirements.

Rebel Recruitment Dubai, United Arab Emirates £95,000 – £105,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Principal Avionics and Flight Control Systems Engineer

This role involves designing and certifying high-integrity flight control systems for an innovative aerospace programme. The engineer will develop triple-redundant flight control architectures, define voting and monitoring logic, and lead DO-178C DAL A certification efforts. Work includes creating detailed interface documentation and flight control mode logic, integrating avionics, software, and systems engineering to support civil aviation certification.

Rebel Recruitment Dubai, United Arab Emirates £80,000 – £90,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Senior Avionic Systems Engineer

This role involves leading avionics systems engineering activities across the full lifecycle, from requirements definition to verification, for advanced airborne systems. The engineer will integrate complex avionics subsystems, ensure compliance with aerospace safety and certification standards, and collaborate with cross-functional teams. It is a hands-on technical leadership position with a focus on navigation systems and system-of-systems integration within a defence or aerospace context.

Morson Edge Semley, Wiltshire, SP7 9AU, United Kingdom £60 – £70 ph
On-site Contract Clearance Required

Electrical/Avionic Design Engineer

This role involves working with a global engineering team to design and certify electrical/avionic systems for large aircraft modifications. Responsibilities include addressing certification issues, compiling engineering documentation, and providing on-site support during project phases. The position offers opportunities to work on complex projects and contribute to the future of commercial aircraft modification.

Matchtech Frimley, Surrey, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent

Senior Avionic Systems Integration Engineer

This role involves leading the integration and testing of complex avionics communications and power systems within safety-critical defence and aerospace programmes. The engineer will define system architecture, drive integration strategies in lab environments (including SIL, HIL, and Iron Bird), and act as technical authority across multidisciplinary teams. Emphasis is placed on hands-on testing, trade-off decisions, and managing requirements in a highly regulated context.

ALTEN London, United Kingdom £45,000 – £65,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

FAQs

Common questions

  • A degree in electrical or aerospace engineering is typically required. Relevant experience and certifications can also be beneficial.

  • Strong technical skills in electronics, software, and systems engineering are essential. Problem-solving, teamwork, and project management skills are also important.

  • Working hours can vary, but they often follow a standard 9-to-5 schedule. Overtime may be required during critical project phases.

  • Career progression typically involves moving from junior to senior roles, then to principal and leadership positions. Continuous learning and specialisation are key.

  • Salaries can vary based on experience and location. For more detailed information, please refer to the salary section on this page.

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