Electrical Engineer III - Spacecraft Programs (Avionics)

Quantum Space

$125K — $175K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering or related technical field
  • 7+ years of experience developing and integrating spacecraft avionics subsystems
  • Experience deriving avionics subsystem requirements and interface definitions
  • Expertise in authoring spacecraft-level Electrical Interface Control Documents (EICDs)
  • Strong understanding of spacecraft electrical interface requirements and interactions
  • Proficient in common spacecraft communication interfaces like RS-422/485, LVDS, and Gigabit Ethernet
  • Experience with subsystem integration and technical issue resolution

Responsibilities

  • Lead avionics subsystem development for Ranger spacecraft from concept through integration
  • Derive subsystem requirements from mission-level needs and ensure traceability during development
  • Coordinate and author Electrical Interface Control Documents (EICDs) and subsystem interfaces with engineering teams
  • Manage spacecraft electrical interfaces across multiple subsystems including power and propulsion
  • Resolve technical integration issues while ensuring operational integrity across subsystems
  • Support hardware procurement and integration schedules, ensuring timely deliveries
  • Participate in major spacecraft design reviews and support anomaly investigations

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
  • Generous leave policy
  • Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
  • 401(k) plan with company matching
  • Equity sharing opportunities
Full Job Description
We are seeking an Electrical Engineer III - Spacecraft Programs (Avionics) to lead avionics subsystem development for Ranger spacecraft programs. This role is intended for an experienced spacecraft avionics engineer capable of driving subsystem architecture, requirements definition, interface coordination, integration planning, and hardware execution across complex multidisciplinary spacecraft programs. You will work closely with propulsion, power, RF communications, flight software, GNC, payload, mechanical, thermal, and systems engineering teams to develop and integrate highly reliable avionics architectures supporting long-duration, high-mobility spacecraft missions. Lead spacecraft avionics subsystem development across Ranger spacecraft programs from early architecture through integration and flight readiness Derive avionics subsystem requirements from spacecraft- and mission-level requirements and ensure traceability throughout development Author and maintain spacecraft-level Electrical Interface Control Documents (EICDs) and coordinate subsystem ICD development across multidisciplinary engineering teams Define and manage spacecraft electrical interfaces across avionics, power, propulsion, RF communications, GNC, payload, and flight software subsystems Drive resolution of technical integration issues across subsystem boundaries while maintaining vehicle-level electrical compatibility and operational integrity Perform make-versus-buy trades supporting avionics hardware architecture and procurement decisions Support management of avionics hardware development schedules, vendor coordination, hardware deliveries, and subsystem integration milestones Author spacecraft avionics integration and test (I&T) plans supporting subsystem validation, vehicle integration, environmental testing, and flight readiness Support spacecraft assembly, integration, environmental testing, and launch campaign activities Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure avionics architectures support mission reliability, redundancy, manufacturability, and operational objectives Participate in major spacecraft design reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR activities Support anomaly investigation, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis efforts across spacecraft avionics systems B.S. in Electrical Engineering or related technical field 7+ years of experience developing and integrating spacecraft avionics subsystems Experience deriving spacecraft avionics subsystem requirements and interface definitions Experience authoring spacecraft-level EICDs and coordinating subsystem ICDs across multidisciplinary engineering teams Strong understanding of spacecraft electrical interface requirements and subsystem interactions Knowledge of common spacecraft communication interfaces including RS-422/485, LVDS, SpaceWire, Gigabit Ethernet, Discrete IO, and related protocols Strong systems-level awareness across spacecraft avionics, power, communications, software, and payload integration domains Experience supporting subsystem integration, debugging, and technical issue resolution activities Strong organizational, technical communication, and cross-functional coordination skills Comfortable operating in fast-paced spacecraft development environments with high ownership and execution expectations M.S. in Electrical Engineering or related technical field Experience working across multiple spacecraft subsystems including propulsion, RF communications, GNC, payloads, and electrical power systems Experience supporting spacecraft AI&T activities including vehicle-level and component-level environmental testing Experience supporting spacecraft mission operations activities post-deployment Experience leading hardware design reviews including schematic and PCB layout reviews Deep understanding of spacecraft avionics redundancy architectures and fault management approaches Experience supporting reliability, radiation, EMI/EMC, and fault-tolerance considerations at both hardware and system levels Experience managing or coordinating spacecraft avionics hardware vendors and external suppliers Experience supporting national security or defense-related spacecraft programs Ownership - Lead development and integration of mission-critical spacecraft avionics architectures supporting Ranger missions Innovation - Drive spacecraft electrical interface architectures and subsystem integration strategies for next-generation high-mobility platforms Impact - Enable reliable spacecraft operations across national security, civil, and commercial missions Growth - Operate at the center of spacecraft development while influencing vehicle-level architecture, integration, and mission execution Compensation - Base Salary Range: $125,000 - $175,000 - Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, FSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

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