Avionics Hardware Architect (M/F)

About Exotrail

Space is becoming more strategic and competitive than ever. Tomorrow’s space leaders will not simply launch satellites into orbit, they will be able to move them, reposition them, extend their lifetime, and maximize their performance in space.

Since 2017, Exotrail has been developing and operating cutting-edge in-space mobility solutions for commercial, institutional, and defense customers. From our high-performance propulsion system spaceware™ to our orbital transfer vehicle spacevan™, we enable satellites to go farther, stay operational longer, and achieve more.

Today, more than 200 Exotrailers across Massy and Toulouse are working together to make space operations more efficient and sustainable.

Backed by over €75 million in funding, we are pursuing a clear mission:

Making space a sustainable frontier for future generations.

Job Description

As part of our In-Orbit Services (IoS) division, we are looking for an Avionics Hardware Architect to define and lead the hardware architecture of our Data Handling System (DHS), from early design phases through to flight model delivery.

You will play a key role in designing robust avionics hardware solutions, ensuring consistency across satellite subsystems and driving technical decisions throughout the product lifecycle.

Hardware Architecture Definition

• Define and maintain the physical architecture of the Data Handling System (DHS) throughout the development lifecycle.

• Develop and maintain the hardware design baseline and architecture documentation.

• Ensure the scalability, robustness, and maintainability of avionics hardware solutions.

• Support technical trade-offs and key architectural decisions.

Interface Management

• Ensure consistency and compatibility between the DHS and other satellite subsystems.

• Define and manage hardware interfaces across avionics equipment.

• Collaborate closely with functional avionics, software, power, thermal and mechanical teams.

• Guarantee alignment between hardware architecture, functional requirements, and software constraints.

Development Strategy & Technical Leadership

• Define the hardware development strategy, including make-or-buy analyses and equipment sourcing decisions.

• Structure the hardware breakdown and define development roadmaps, milestones, and model philosophy.

• Lead technical decision-making related to architectures, components, hardware/software allocations, and supplier solutions.

• Identify and mitigate technical risks impacting cost, schedule, or performance.

Supplier Management & Procurement

• Prepare technical specifications and statements of work for suppliers.

• Perform trade-off analyses and support supplier selection activities.

• Monitor procurement and development activities through regular reviews with suppliers and partners.

• Ensure successful delivery of hardware equipment according to project requirements.

Verification, Validation & Product Assurance

• Ensure compliance with applicable space standards, including ECSS requirements.

• Lead equipment-level verification and validation activities.

• Support qualification, acceptance, and environmental testing campaigns.

• Prepare and participate in technical reviews including PDR, CDR, and Qualification Reviews.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Engineering, Systems, AIT, Quality, Supply Chain, and Project teams.

• Coordinate hardware contributors, both internal and external.

• Represent Exotrail in technical discussions with customers, suppliers, and partners.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and engineering best practices.

About You

Required Experience

• Several years of experience in avionics hardware development, electronics architecture, embedded systems, or related engineering fields.

• Strong background in the design of complex electronic systems and high-reliability products.

• Experience defining hardware architectures and managing technical developments throughout the product lifecycle.

• Familiarity with supplier management and multidisciplinary engineering environments.

• Experience in aerospace, space, defense, automotive, or other safety-critical industries.

• Previous experience in the space sector is a strong plus.

Technical Skills

• Hardware architecture design, including processors, SoCs, memory architectures, and electronic equipment.

• Good understanding of spacecraft and avionics subsystems.

• Ability to structure and manage complex multi-equipment architectures.

• Supplier management and cross-functional technical coordination.

• Solid electronics design fundamentals.

• Understanding of low-level software layers, drivers, and FPGA-based architectures.

• Knowledge of communication interfaces and protocols such as CAN, RS-422, RS-485, and similar technologies.

• Familiarity with embedded Linux environments is a plus.

• Knowledge of ECSS standards and space product development processes.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset.

• Excellent technical communication and documentation skills.

• Attention to detail and traceability.

• Ability to work effectively with evolving requirements and assumptions.

• Leadership and collaborative mindset.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced and multicultural environment.

• Professional proficiency in English.

• Pragmatic and solution-oriented approach.

Why Join Exotrail?

Joining Exotrail means contributing to ambitious missions that are redefining space logistics and satellite operations.

You will work alongside passionate experts in a fast-growing international company at the forefront of the New Space industry, developing the next generation of in-orbit mobility solutions.

What We Offer

• Company health insurance with 70% covered by Exotrail

• 50% reimbursement of public transportation costs

• Up to 2 days of remote work per week, depending on the position

• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave coverage with no seniority requirement

• Learning and development opportunities

• Well-being benefits including Moka Care, dedicated conferences, and our ExoCare Program for Moments That Matter

• 35 days of paid leave per year (Annual Leave & RTT)

Working Environment

• Offices located in the heart of Toulouse

• Modern industrial facilities in Massy

• Free coffee, tea, and fresh fruit available on site

• International and multicultural teams

• Dynamic and rapidly growing space company

Quality of Life at Work

• Team events and afterworks

• On-site osteopathy sessions on both sites

• Collaborative and supportive work culture

Recruitment Process

Our recruitment process is designed to be efficient while giving you the opportunity to meet the key stakeholders involved in the role:

• HR Interview with our Talent Acquisition team to discuss your background, motivations, and career aspirations.

• Hiring Manager Interview to explore your experience, skills, and fit with the team and projects.

• Technical Interview with our experts to assess your technical knowledge and problem-solving approach.

• Final Interview to discuss the role, expectations, and answer any remaining questions.

We strive to provide feedback throughout the process and ensure a positive candidate experience.

We look forward to getting to know you and exploring how you can contribute to Exotrail's mission.