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
7
Salary range
£42k – £90k
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

£42k – £90k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 11 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
7% of listings advertise a salary.
Distribution
11 priced listings
3
6
1
1
£40–60k
£60–80k
£80–100k
£100–120k
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

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

DO-178C
50%
ARP4754A
50%
Avionics
33%
Electronics
33%
Aerospace
33%
Aviation
33%
Diagnostic Tools
33%
Technical Manuals
33%
Flight Control Systems
33%
Avionics Safety Assessment
33%
ARP4761
33%
DO-254
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

7 live roles

AVIONICS ENGINEERS

This role involves technical analysis and simulation of avionics systems for a one-way effector airframe, focusing on GNSS and INS performance, RF noise profiling, and re-entry dynamics. The engineer will conduct Monte Carlo simulations, assess signal re-acquisition under various conditions, and contribute to autopilot development and synchronised launch planning. Work is based in Shaftesbury with potential for permanent conversion from an initial 6-month rolling contract.

Morson Edge Semley, Wiltshire, SP7 9AU, United Kingdom £60 – £70 ph

Avionics Systems Engineer

Our client, a prominent organisation within the Defence and Security sector, is actively seeking a Avionics Systems Engineer to join their innovative team at RAF Coningsby. This permanent role offers the chance to work with cutting-edge defence technologies, contributing to...

Matchtech Lincolnshire, United Kingdom £42,000 – £55,000 pa

Avionics System Safety Engineer

This role involves performing safety assessments and certification for avionics systems in next-generation aircraft development. You'll conduct hazard analyses, develop safety requirements, and ensure compliance with standards like ARP4761 and DO-178C across the product lifecycle. Working within a multidisciplinary team in Nagoya, you'll support verification, validation, and design reviews for innovative aviation technologies.

Electus Recruitment Japan £42,000 – £64,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Chief Engineer - Avionics and Flight Systems

Role: Chief Engineer - Avionics and Flights SystemsLocation: Dubai (UAE)Working Arrangement: Office BasedSalary: Up £105k (including accommodation and transport allowance) plus relocation packageAre you ready to lead the avionics architecture on a next-generation aerospace programme where your technical decisions will...

Rebel Recruitment Dubai, United Arab Emirates £95,000 – £105,000 pa

Senior Systems Design Engineer – Avionics

Senior Systems Design Engineer – Avionics £Competitive + BenefitsSouth ABJ6740Perm full timeAn exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Avionics Systems Design Engineer to join a highly regarded engineering organisation. This role is responsible for leading the systems design,...

Hudson Shribman United Kingdom

Avionics RTE&IVVQ Engineer

A Joint Venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space is a global space manufacturer delivering, for more than 40 years, high-tech solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth Observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Thanks to our...

Thales Alenia Space Italy

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
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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