Senior Spacecraft Avionics Engineer

About ETH Zurich | Space

ETH Zurich | Space is committed to advancing space activities, both within the institution and through collaboration with external partners. Our mission is to establish ETH Zurich as Europe’s leading institution in space research and education, while also being recognized as a premier partner for space-related projects at both national and international levels. Since its inception in 2022, ETH Zurich | Space has been led by Prof. Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, focusing on driving technological advancements, shaping future policies, and inspiring the next generation of space scientists and engineers.

Position Overview

This opportunity is aimed at building a centralized repository of space engineering expertise within ETH Zurich | Space. This initiative will support various ETH Zurich-led space projects and technology programs, reinforcing the institution’s role as a significant contributor to the Swiss and global space ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

• Assume 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, which include onboard computers, data handling systems, communication buses, and power interfaces.
• Translate mission and payload requirements into avionics specifications and interface control documents (ICDs).
• Execute avionics hardware-software integration, including embedded flight software, firmware, and real-time systems.
• Conduct and/or lead avionics trade studies that balance performance, reliability, power, mass, and technology readiness.
• Support assembly, integration, and test (AIT) activities for avionics subsystems and perform system-level testing.
• Develop and execute avionics test procedures, including functional testing and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing.
• Assist with anomaly investigation, non-conformance management, and participation in review boards.
• Contribute to system-level documentation and various design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR).
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including academic partnerships, industry suppliers, and space agencies.
• Support proposal preparation, technology development, and early-stage mission concepts.

Qualifications

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

Preferred Attributes

• Experience with 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.
• Previous collaboration with international partners or space agencies.
• Understanding of the Swiss and European space ecosystem, including suppliers and OEMs.

Work Environment

Join a dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary team at one of the world’s leading technical universities. Contribute to space missions from their early concepts to flight and collaborate with passionate individuals who share a commitment to innovation in the field of space exploration.