Hardware & Systems Jobs in European Defence206 jobs
Hardware and systems engineering is one of the largest job categories in European defence tech, covering roles from PCB design and RF engineering to satellite integration, propulsion testing and embedded firmware. These positions sit across the full product lifecycle: prototyping, qualification, environmental testing, production and field support. Employers range from startups building their first satellite or drone to established primes like Airbus Defence, Thales, Leonardo, Saab and Rheinmetall, which maintain large hardware engineering teams across Europe.
Among the startups and SMEs tracked on DefenceJobs, companies actively hiring hardware and systems engineers include Aerospacelab (satellite manufacturing, Belgium), Isar Aerospace (launch vehicles, Germany), GomSpace (nanosatellites, Denmark), Infinite Orbits (in-orbit servicing, France), Delair (defence drones, France) and Harmattan AI (AI-enabled defence, Paris). Roles at these companies typically require hands-on experience with mechanical or electrical design tools (CATIA, Altium, SolidWorks), familiarity with qualification standards such as ECSS for space or MIL-STD for defence, and the ability to work across disciplines. Systems engineering roles tend to be more senior, often requiring experience managing requirements, interfaces and integration across multiple subsystems.
Security clearance requirements vary significantly by employer and programme. Startups working on commercial or dual-use products typically do not require clearance, while companies with direct military contracts generally do. In most European countries, the employer initiates the clearance process and candidates do not need existing clearance to apply. Internationally-funded startups tend to operate in English, while companies embedded in national procurement programmes may expect the local language. Relocation support and visa sponsorship are common at growth-stage companies competing for scarce engineering talent.
