Lead Power System Electrical Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Description

Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity’s presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world-class team.    

The Avionics team is responsible for all aspects of the electrical systems and hardware on Astrolab’s electric rover vehicles and ground support equipment. We work collaboratively with all teams at Astrolab to provide exceptionally capable and reliable electronics to serve our missions.  

The Lead Power Systems Electrical Engineer will lead the Power Systems Engineering team and participate in many aspects of the development and test of electrical power systems and components for Astrolab rovers.  The ideal candidate has 10+ years in spacecraft power systems engineering. 

This position will report to the Director of Avionics Engineering and will be based in our Hawthorne, CA office. 

• Own the Electrical Power Subsystem (EPS) of Astrolab Rovers from unit level definition up to the whole power system functionality including subsystem level architecture, system power analyses, integration testing; and operations of power generation, storage, conversion, and distribution for Astrolab vehicles and other systems. 
• Build and lead a new Power Systems Engineering team to execute the responsibilities described above for power subsystem ownership. 
• Partner with the Power Electronics Engineers and other Engineers in the definition of system power functions, power unit functional and interface requirements, and unit procurement oversight including solar arrays and batteries. 
• Own the vehicle Power Budget including system loads, sizing of the solar array and battery pack, and operational power modes.   
• Support the electro-mechanical strategy for power transmission and components. 
• Support integration testing of EPS components. 
• Support Mission Operations, Software, and other engineers in the definition and analysis of mission con-ops, power modes, and other mission planning. 
• Support vehicle commissioning and mission operations related to the Power Subsystem. 

Basic Qualifications  

• Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) related field
• 10+ years of experience in spacecraft power systems engineering including proven flight experience. 
• 2+ years of team leadership experience 

Preferred Qualifications  

• Expertise in solar array design and functionality, and solar power conversion techniques. 
• Expertise in batteries, their management, and safety factors. 
• Familiarity with power electronics functions including power conversion and distribution. 
• Capable at performing basic circuit analyses in SPICE and Excel. 

Additional Responsibilities  

• System design for fault protection and space environmental effects including radiation impacts and mitigations. 
• Use basic electronic lab equipment such as power supplies, oscilloscopes, DMMs, signal generators, soldering iron, etc. 

• Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
• Equity ownership in the company
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Flexible PTO and parental leave
• Home office set up reimbursement
• Fully flexible and remote friendly work environment
• Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
• Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks