Senior Spacecraft Avionics Engineer

About Us

ETH Zurich | Space is committed to advancing space activities both within our institution and in collaboration with external stakeholders. Our mission is to establish ETH Zurich as Europe’s leading institution in space research and education, while also becoming a premier partner for space-related projects across Switzerland and globally. Founded in 2022 and led by Prof. Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen since 2023, we strive to drive technological advancements, influence future policies, and inspire the next generation of space scientists and engineers.

Project Background

This initiative aims to create and expand a centralized pool of space engineering expertise within ETH Zurich | Space. This resource pool will support ETH Zurich-led space projects and technology programs, reinforcing our institution's role as a key contributor to the Swiss and international space ecosystem. A significant focus of this position will be assisting with LunarLeaper, an ETH Zurich-led mission dedicated to innovative mobility and exploration strategies for the lunar surface, acting as a technology pathfinder for advanced planetary avionics, autonomy, and system integration.

Role Overview

As a member of our specialized resource pool, you will provide avionics engineering expertise across various space research projects. Collaborating closely with scientists, systems engineers, and external partners, your contributions will encompass the design, development, integration, and verification of spacecraft avionics systems.

Responsibilities

• Take technical ownership of spacecraft avionics subsystems, serving as the primary technical authority for onboard computing and data handling within the assigned project scope.
• Design and develop spacecraft avionics architectures, including onboard computers, data handling systems, communication buses, and power interfaces.
• Translate mission and payload needs into avionics requirements, specifications, and interface control documents (ICDs).
• Perform avionics hardware-software integration, including embedded flight software, firmware, and real-time systems.
• Conduct and/or lead avionics trade studies, balancing performance, reliability, power, mass, and technology readiness.
• Support assembly, integration, and test (AIT) activities for avionics subsystems and system-level testing.
• Develop and execute avionics test procedures, including functional testing and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing.
• Support anomaly investigations, non-conformance management, and participate in review boards.
• Contribute to system-level documentation and design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR).
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including academic partners, industry suppliers, and space agencies.
• Support proposal preparation, technology development activities, and early-stage mission concepts.

Profile

The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background in spacecraft avionics and embedded systems, demonstrating the ability to work across multiple projects in a collaborative academic environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in spacecraft avionics engineering.
• Experience with onboard data handling systems, avionics buses, and subsystem interfaces.
• Knowledge of embedded software, real-time systems, and hardware-software integration.
• Familiarity with avionics AIT, verification, and validation activities.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of radiation-tolerant electronics, redundancy, and FDIR concepts.
• Hands-on experience contributing to spacecraft flight software development and testing.
• Ability to deliver technical solutions under time and resource constraints.

Preferred Characteristics

• Experience in space-related projects in academia or industry.
• Familiarity with ECSS and/or NASA avionics standards.
• Experience with FPGA-based avionics architectures, including design, implementation, or integration.
• Experience collaborating with international partners or space agencies.
• Awareness of the Swiss and European space ecosystem, including suppliers and OEMs.

Work Environment

We offer a dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary work environment at one of the world’s leading technical universities. Join a motivated team that shares a passion for space and innovation, with opportunities to contribute to space missions from early concepts to flight.

Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture that values diversity and nurtures a working environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. We actively work towards a climate-neutral future, and sustainability is a core value for us.

Get Involved

Curious to learn more? We welcome your interest in becoming a part of our innovative endeavors in the realm of space exploration and technology development.