Lead Radiation Effects Engineer

Kapta Space, a VC-funded early-stage startup in Seattle, WA, is breaking new ground in Geospatial Intelligence. Our technology centers around a proven, scalable electronically-steered radar for sophisticated spaceborne applications such as earth observation using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) techniques, as well as enabling advanced defense missions such as target tracking on the ground and in the air.

Kapta is seeking a Lead Radiation Effects Engineer to lead radiation analysis, testing, and qualification across Kapta's avionics and payload electronics. The radiation engineer will define the radiation environment for our missions, model system response, plan and execute radiation test campaigns, and support technical engineering design decisions to ensure on-orbit hardware reliability and performance. This role has significant scope and requires a strong, self-driven engineer capable of working independently in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to apply advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts, and will have the drive and discipline to complete projects independently and on time. Kapta Space recognizes that strong candidates come from diverse backgrounds; if you bring relevant experience and the capacity to grow into this role, we encourage you to apply. The position level may be restructured based on the selected candidate’s strengths, with salary and benefits adjusted accordingly.

Role

• Develop and own the company's radiation assurance strategy, defining the philosophy, requirements, and decision framework that govern radiation testing, component selection, and radiation-tolerant system design.
• Build radiation budgets, calculate margins, analyze mission environments, and assess system-level reliability.
• Plan and execute Single Event Effect (SEE), Total Ionizing Dose (TID), and Displacement Damage (DD) test campaigns at the component and assembly level.
• Analyze test results, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Create and manage internal tools and workflows for radiation analysis, component qualification, and validation of component selection. Partner with engineering teams to inform component selection, derating, and architecture decisions.
• Monitor manufacturer-issued product change notifications (PCNs) and assess their impact on radiation performance and qualification.
• Support reliability analysis as it pertains to radiation effects.
• Support failure analysis and on-orbit anomaly investigations.
• Drive improvements to internal standards for radiation modeling and verification.
• Domestic travel required. Foreign travel possible.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in radiation-effects engineering for high-reliability electronics.
• Experience with radiation environment software modeling tools and resources (example: OMERE)
• Strong understanding of radiation effects, test methods, and test execution.
• Hands-on experience planning and executing radiation test campaigns.
• Experience developing analysis tools, automation, and internal data systems to support modeling, testing, and engineering workflows.
• Working knowledge of electrical schematics, including the ability to identify common components, understand basic signal flow, and locate relevant circuit information.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work across disciplines.

Bonus if candidates have experience and skills in the following areas:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in a relevant field.
• Experience with performing or overseeing electrical circuit analysis and implementation of radiation effects mitigations
• Comprehensive understanding of electronics (both digital and analog), schematics, and PCB layout principles.
• Scripting and SW development experience for data analysis and test automation using Matlab or Python.
• Prior experience with system reliability calculations and roll-up particularly as it pertains to radiation risks.
• Experience developing PCB schematics and layout with an ECAD tool (Eg.: Altium, KiCAD, OrCAD, ect).
• Experience with radiation testing at the PCB and subassembly level
• Experience with FPGA/ASIC radiation characterization and mitigation.
• Prior work in small, fast-iteration aerospace teams.

Concerned you do not meet all the requirements? Not a problem - please apply even if you do not meet all these criteria.

U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Kapta Employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful U.S. permanent residents (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or Commerce as applicable.

Kapta Space is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe that diversity drives innovation, strengthens our team, and broadens our capabilities. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.

Kapta Space does not engage with external recruiters or agencies without prior written agreement. If you are a recruiter (individual or agency) and wish to engage with Kapta Space for talent acquisition, please email View email address on click.appcast.io.

185000 - 215000 USD a year

The estimated salary range for this role reflects base pay only and is influenced by a variety of factors. Actual offers may vary based on - though not limited to - a candidate’s experience, education or training, specialized expertise, and the needs of the business. In addition to base pay, full-time roles include competitive equity grants that reward innovation, impact, and long-term growth. Our total compensation philosophy is designed to recognize excellence while fostering a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and shared success.