Lead Spacecraft Avionics Engineer

Lead Spacecraft Avionics Engineer – Architect Embedded Systems for Modular Orbital Platforms

Denver, CO | On-site

Opportunity Summary

A venture-backed aerospace startup is building modular spacecraft systems designed to operate as interconnected, scalable platforms in orbit. The team is focused on enabling next-generation space infrastructure through advanced avionics, embedded systems, and distributed architectures.

This role will lead the design and development of the avionics and embedded systems stack across flight hardware. You will own technical decisions from early architecture through testing and deployment, working closely with a small, highly technical team to bring complex systems from concept to operational readiness.

About Us

We are an early-stage aerospace company developing advanced spacecraft technologies for commercial, civil, and national security applications. Backed by leading investors and led by experienced engineers, the team is focused on building high-performance systems that operate reliably in demanding environments. The company is in active development with early prototypes underway.

Job Duties

• Lead the design and development of spacecraft avionics systems, including embedded software and board-level electronics
• Define system architecture across avionics, balancing performance, reliability, and scalability
• Develop firmware and embedded software to support sensors, actuation, power management, and communication systems
• Oversee integration and testing of avionics hardware from prototype through flight-ready systems
• Design and implement communication protocols across distributed spacecraft subsystems
• Collaborate with mechanical, power, and systems teams to ensure full system integration
• Drive hardware bring-up, debugging, and validation using lab and test equipment
• Develop and manage Hardware-in-the-Loop and Software-in-the-Loop testing environments
• Lead technical decision-making across component selection, make vs buy analysis, and system trade studies
• Manage fault detection, diagnostics, and recovery strategies across avionics and flight systems
• Guide and mentor engineers across embedded software, electrical design, and test systems
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in embedded systems, avionics, or spacecraft development
• Strong experience with C or C++ in real-time or embedded environments
• Familiarity with common communication protocols such as CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, or Ethernet
• Hands-on experience with PCB bring-up, system debugging, and lab validation tools
• Experience integrating sensors, power systems, and embedded hardware components
• Understanding of system-level design, including reliability and fault tolerance
  
  

Preferred Experience

• 8+ years of experience in aerospace or high-reliability hardware systems
• Background in spacecraft avionics, flight software, or mission-critical systems
• Experience designing for space environments, including radiation and thermal constraints
• Familiarity with FPGA development or advanced embedded architectures
• Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams
• Experience with environmental testing such as thermal vacuum, vibration, or shock testing
• Ability to obtain a US Secret Security Clearance
  
  

Why Join Us

• Early ownership in a high-impact aerospace program
• Work directly with experienced technical founders and a small, focused team
• Hands-on role across the full hardware and embedded stack
• Opportunity to shape system architecture from the ground up
• Equity participation with long-term upside
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Flexible work environment with hybrid options
  
  

Compensation Details

$160,000 - $200,000