Job Description

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:

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
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
PCB and Harness Development + Support PCB production, documentation, and sign-offs
+ Design, test, and maintain system harnessing
+ Collaborate with production partners and testing teams
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:

Strong background in electrical & mechanical systems integration. Demonstrated experience with electrical hardware-software development: + PCB design and testing
+ Microcontroller programming and debugging
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).
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.