Spacecraft Avionics Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Avionics / Electrical Engineer – Build Flight-Critical Hardware for Next-Generation Space Systems!

El Segundo, CA | On-site

Opportunity Summary

We are seeking an Avionics / Electrical Engineer to help design and deliver the electrical backbone of advanced spacecraft systems operating in demanding environments. This role is centered around high-performance hardware development, rapid iteration, and deep technical ownership. You will work closely with a small, highly capable engineering team to architect, build, and validate avionics systems that move quickly from concept to flight. This position is ideal for engineers who enjoy working close to the hardware, solving complex multidisciplinary problems, and operating in environments where execution speed and engineering rigor matter equally. You will play a key role in bringing reliable, flight-ready systems online while helping shape system architecture and engineering best practices as the company scales.

About Us

We are a venture-backed aerospace startup focused on building advanced spacecraft systems that enable ambitious in-space missions. Our team combines deep technical experience with a startup mindset, emphasizing ownership, fast iteration, and first-principles engineering. Engineers here work across disciplines, move quickly from design to testing, and contribute directly to systems that are built to fly.

Job Duties

• Own development of avionics and electrical subsystems from early architecture through vehicle integration
• Design, prototype, and validate flight computers, electrical power systems, communications hardware, and core avionics electronics
• Perform system-level electrical trades, requirements capture, and interface definition across vehicle subsystems
• Develop avionics solutions supporting telemetry, communications, sensing, timing, navigation, and safety functions
• Design and bring up PCBs and supporting electronics hardware
• Build and execute ground testing and data acquisition systems to support rapid validation
• Develop and operate hardware-in-the-loop test environments to validate system behavior
• Perform hands-on troubleshooting and debugging at board, harness, and vehicle levels
• Lead root cause and corrective action investigations to improve reliability and performance
• Collaborate closely with software, propulsion, and systems engineers to ensure end-to-end integration
• Support harnessing design, mechanical packaging, and system integration efforts
• Execute rigorous technical reviews including design, test readiness, and flight readiness reviews
• Maintain clear engineering documentation supporting development and qualification efforts
• Ensure designs align with applicable safety and government compliance requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline
• 2+ years of experience developing electrical or avionics systems for complex hardware platforms
• 1+ years designing electrical or control systems for spacecraft or similarly demanding environments
• Strong hands-on experience with circuit design, electronics prototyping, and lab test equipment
• Experience troubleshooting electronics at both board and system levels
• Experience designing hardware that operates in harsh or high-reliability environments
• Familiarity with PCB design tools such as Altium Designer or comparable platforms
• Strong engineering fundamentals and first-principles problem-solving approach
• Ability to work autonomously and execute quickly in a fast-paced environment
• Clear technical communication skills and strong ownership mindset
• U.S. Person status required due to export control regulations

Preferred Experience

• Experience delivering avionics or electrical systems that reached deployment or operational use
• Background in high-performance vehicles, aerospace hardware, defense systems, robotics, or autonomous platforms
• RF or communications systems experience
• Familiarity with electrical analysis and simulation tools such as LTSpice, ANSYS HFSS, or similar
• Experience with integration testing, environmental testing, or mission operations
• Knowledge of power electronics, batteries, sensors, or safety-critical hardware design
• Experience working under aggressive schedules with rapid design-build-test cycles

Why Join Us

• Opportunity for growth and increasing technical ownership
• High-impact role working on real flight hardware
• Fast-paced, execution-focused engineering environment
• High autonomy with minimal bureaucracy
• Close collaboration with experienced technical leadership
• Broad technical exposure across multiple spacecraft subsystems
• Strong PTO policy
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) plan
• Equity options

Compensation Details

$140,000 - $220,000

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