Power Avionics EngineerAbout the Role:
The Power Electronics Engineer role is responsible for the design, development, and integration of electrical systems supporting high power solar arrays and compute payloads. You will collaborate with software, mechanical, solar, and propulsion engineers to develop solutions that meet rigorous performance standards for space applications.
Responsibilities:- Own the design, development, and validation of spacecraft power electronics systems from concept through flight
- Architect and implement power distribution systems, including power management, conversion, and regulation for spacecraft subsystems
- Design and analyze DC-DC converters, battery management systems (BMS), and power control electronics for high-reliability environments
- Develop and execute test plans for power systems, including functional, environmental, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing
- Perform system-level analysis of power budgets, efficiency, thermal performance, and fault conditions
- Implement protection and fault management strategies (overcurrent, overvoltage, short circuit, latch-up protection)
- Partner closely with structures, thermal, software, and payload teams to ensure seamless integration of power systems
- Support board bring-up, integration, and debugging of power electronics in lab and flight environments
- Investigate anomalies and drive root cause analysis to improve system robustness and reliability
- Support vehicle integration, pre-flight testing, and on-orbit performance analysis
Basic Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field
- 3+ years of experience designing or testing power electronics or avionics systems
- Strong understanding of power electronics fundamentals (DC-DC conversion, control systems, power distribution)
- Experience with schematic capture, PCB design, and board bring-up
- Familiarity with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, power supplies, electronic loads) and debugging techniques
- Experience working in high-reliability or hardware-focused environments
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience designing power systems for spacecraft, aerospace, or other harsh environments
- Familiarity with battery systems, solar arrays, and energy storage technologies
- Experience with radiation-tolerant design and component selection
- Knowledge of thermal management and its interaction with power electronics
- Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and system integration
- Familiarity with FPGA or embedded systems as they relate to power control and monitoring
- Experience with reliability analysis (FMEA/FMECA, derating, fault tolerance)
- Ability to work in fast-paced, high-ownership environments with aggressive timelines
Compensation and BenefitsThe salary range for this position is
$120,000 - $175,000 annually.
The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.- Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
- Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement savings plan
- Paid time off
- 10 paid holidays per calendar year
- Paid parental leave
- Relocation assistance if applicable
- Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks
ITAR Requirements- Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.
DisclaimerThis job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.'s discretion.
