Mechatronics Engineer

Archangel Lightworks is a connectivity company building wireless technology to create the space-enabled networks of the future. We’re passionate about improving humanity’s communications infrastructure and solving some of Earth’s most critical problems from economic inclusion to climate change. Our start-up is a fast-paced and supportive environment, where you can make your mark as part of a growing team and work on the cutting-edge of innovation.

We are seeking a Mechatronics Engineer to lead the design, integration, and testing of complex subsystems within our Optical Communications Terminal. This includes systems across electrical, mechanical, and thermal domains.

This is a hands-on, highly collaborative role. You’ll work closely with our electronics, software, mechanical, and optical teams to ensure that all systems are integration-ready and fully verified for Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT).

You’ll play a key part in bridging hardware and software, resolving cross-disciplinary challenges, and pushing technical development forward.

Your responsibilities will include:

1. Subsystem Ownership, leading the end-to-end development of electrical, electronic, and thermal subsystems:

• Requirements definition
• Architectural design and trade studies
• Design of custom mechanical and electrical parts
• Component selection, procurement, and supplier coordination
• Subsystem assembly and verification
• Maintain power budgets, interface control documents, and system artifacts

2. Hardware-Software Integration

• Integration at board and subsystem level
• Implement and debug communication protocols (e.g. CAN, SPI, UART, I2C)
• Coordinate with embedded software and firmware teams

3. PCB and Harness Development

• Support PCB production, documentation, and sign-offs
• Design, test, and maintain system harnessing
• Collaborate with production partners and testing teams

4. Testing & Ground Support

• Participate in formal test campaigns
• Design electrical test equipment and mechanical test jigs/fixtures
• Ensure subsystem readiness for full AIT flow

Requirements:

1. Strong background in electrical & mechanical systems integration.

2. Demonstrated experience with electrical hardware-software development:

• PCB design and testing
• Microcontroller programming and debugging

3. Demonstrated experience mechanical hardware design and production:

• Familiarity with CAD tools for mechanical design and production of drawings for manufacture.
• Proven experience of utilising standard manufacturing methods (e.g CNC, sheet metal, 3D printing).

4. Good knowledge of Electrical & Mechanical design tools

• CAD tools (e.g Solidworks/Inventor)
• PCB tools (e.g Kicad/Altium)
• Harness design tools (e.g RapidHarness)

Desirable additional skills:

• Experience in multi-disciplinary teams, particularly integrating optical, mechanical, and electrical systems.
• Exposure to space, aerospace, or high-reliability environments (ECSS or similar).
• Proven ability to maintain and manage engineering documentation and version control (such as Github, PDM etc.)
• Experience designing or supporting production processes from prototype to scaled hardware builds.
• Understanding system-level AIT, test jigs, and lab setup.

Location: Hybrid with travel when required. Our office is based in Osney Mead, Oxford.

Compensation & Perks:

• The opportunity to make a difference building cutting edge technology to support a world-changing vision.
• Options for hybrid working and custom arrangements that matter to you.
• 25 days annual leave allowance plus bank holidays.
• Equity options in a growing start-up.
• Investment in you to help you grow, with training resources and budget.
• Supportive team culture with high levels of ownership and responsibility.
• Annual team retreat, regular socials and weekly team lunch.
• Variety of additional perks including learning and wellbeing app subscriptions.