Senior/Principle Hardware Engineer

Senior / Principal Hardware Engineer

Location: Rochester (Onsite)
Salary: £50,000 - £65,000 depending on skills and experience

Copello is working with a leading engineering organisation delivering advanced technology solutions within highly regulated and safety-critical environments. We are seeking an experienced Senior or Principal Hardware Engineer to join a multidisciplinary engineering team developing innovative electronic systems for next-generation aerospace and defence applications.

This is an excellent opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects, influence hardware design decisions, and contribute to the development of complex mission-critical technologies while advancing your career within a highly skilled engineering environment.

The Role

As a Senior / Principal Hardware Engineer, you will play a key role in the design and development of digital and analogue electronic hardware, leading activities throughout the engineering lifecycle from concept through to certification and delivery.

Working within an integrated engineering team, you will contribute to the development of robust and innovative hardware solutions while ensuring projects are delivered to agreed technical, cost, and schedule requirements.

Key Responsibilities

* Lead hardware requirements capture, architectural design, and detailed hardware development activities.

* Execute complex hardware design tasks in line with project plans, budgets, and timescales.

* Conduct technical analysis and verification activities to support design decisions and product performance.

* Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to optimise system solutions and manage technical dependencies.

* Provide technical leadership and guidance across digital and/or analogue electronics development activities.

* Support continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance design processes and engineering efficiency.

* Mentor and develop junior engineers within the team.

Essential Experience & Skills

* Degree, HND, or equivalent qualification in Electronics Engineering or a related discipline.

* Proven experience in digital and/or analogue electronics design and development.

* Experience working through the full engineering development lifecycle, from concept through to certification and delivery.

* Knowledge of hardware certification standards such as DO-254 or equivalent.

* Strong understanding of product design processes, work package management, and engineering governance.

* Ability to balance technical requirements with programme cost and schedule constraints.

* Experience using electronic design and simulation tools such as Mentor Graphics Expedition Enterprise, SIMetrix, and LTspice.

What You'll Be Working On

You'll be involved in the development of advanced electronic systems and safety-critical technologies, supporting projects across areas including:

* Helmet Mounted and Head-Up Display systems

* Mission Computers

* Flight Control Systems

* Active Inceptors

* Other complex aerospace and defence technologies

Why Apply?

This role offers the opportunity to join a highly experienced engineering team working on innovative and technically challenging projects. You'll gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies, work alongside industry experts, and have clear opportunities for professional growth and career progression
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed