Embedded Systems Engineer – Autopilot Hardware

About the role

At Tekever, you will own the electronics that host our flight control software for autopilot avionics, covering mixed‑signal PCBs, sensor interfaces, power conditioning, and test infrastructure. You will take designs from schematic and layout through bring‑up, environmental qualification, and DO‑254 evidence, ensuring every board is safely flight‑qualified.

Key responsibilities

• Design schematics and multi‑layer PCB layouts for analog, digital and mixed‑signal autopilot avionics, including MCU subsystems, sensors, power, communication and protection circuitry.
• Translate system and software requirements into hardware solutions, balancing performance, cost, qualification level, supply‑chain and certification impacts.
• Select active and passive components with focus on lifecycle, second sourcing and aerospace/automotive grade qualification.
• Manage signal integrity, power integrity, EMC/EMI and thermal performance from schematic through layout, simulation and bench validation.
• Define test‑points and Design‑for‑Test features (test pads, headers, JTAG/SWD, boundary scan, observation nets) to enable reliable board characterization and debugging.
• Lead board bring‑up, validating power rails, clocks, resets, peripherals and signal quality while collaborating with firmware engineers.
• Integrate and characterise sensors (IMU, GNSS, magnetometer, barometer, pitot/air‑data) at the hardware level.
• Plan and execute hardware validation campaigns (functional verification, temperature, vibration, shock, EMC/EMI, lightning, accelerated life testing) aligned with DO‑160 categories.
• Produce DO‑254 evidence (PHAC, HDP, HVVP, HCMP, HPAP) and support certification interactions.
• Maintain technical documentation (schematics, BOMs, Gerbers, fabrication/assembly files) and manage engineering change notes.
• Work with PCB fabricators and EMS partners on fabrication, assembly, rework and quality, supporting production ramp‑up.

Required profile

• Degree in Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications Engineering or a closely related field.
• Hands‑on experience with schematic capture and multi‑layer PCB layout (Altium Designer preferred; KiCad, OrCAD, Mentor also valued).
• Strong analog and digital electronics fundamentals and comfort designing mixed‑signal boards.
• Working knowledge of signal integrity, power integrity, EMC/EMI and thermal design for embedded avionics.
• Experience selecting components with attention to lifecycle, second sourcing and supply‑chain resilience.
• Familiarity with DFM, DFA and DFT and ability to produce complete fabrication and assembly packages.
• Proficiency with embedded interfaces and buses (CAN, SPI, I²C, UART, RS‑422 and at least one high‑speed bus such as USB or Ethernet).
• Lab skills with oscilloscope, logic analyser, spectrum analyser, multimeter and JTAG/SWD; capable of board bring‑up from cold.
• Understanding of environmental and reliability testing (thermal chamber, vibration table, EMC).
• Comfort reading datasheets, application notes and reference designs.
• Familiarity with Git, Agile/Scrum and tools like Jira.
• Professional proficiency in Portuguese and English (minimum B2/C1).

Required skills

• Schematic capture and multi‑layer PCB layout (Altium Designer, KiCad, OrCAD, Mentor).
• Mixed‑signal board design, signal integrity, power integrity, EMC/EMI, thermal analysis.
• Component selection for industrial/automotive/aerospace grade parts.
• Design‑for‑Manufacturing, Design‑for‑Assembly, Design‑for‑Test.
• Embedded communication protocols: CAN, SPI, I²C, UART, RS‑422, USB/Ethernet.
• Lab instrumentation: oscilloscope, logic analyser, spectrum analyser, multimeter, JTAG/SWD.
• Environmental testing procedures (thermal, vibration, shock, EMC).
• Version control (Git) and Agile project management (Jira).

What we offer

• A dynamic and collaborative working environment with real impact.
• Competitive salary package aligned with experience.
• Meal allowance and health insurance for employees.
• Shuttle transport service to offices in Leiria, Caldas da Rainha and Ponte de Sor.
• Performance‑based bonus.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).