Senior Spacecraft Engineer About the Role:
We are looking for a Senior Spacecraft Engineer to help design, build, and integrate the core systems that power our satellite platform. You will work across spacecraft subsystems-including structures, power, thermal, and avionics-to develop reliable, high-performance systems that operate in the harsh environment of space.
This is a high-growth role with the opportunity to gain ownership quickly and work closely with a multidisciplinary team spanning software, electrical, optical, and mechanical engineering.
Responsibilities:- Design, develop, and integrate spacecraft subsystems, including structures, power, thermal, and avionics
- Own components of the spacecraft architecture, from early design through integration and test
- Perform system-level trade studies to optimize performance, mass, power, and reliability
- Support development of spacecraft layouts, CAD models, and system schematics
- Plan and execute integration and test campaigns, including subsystem and full vehicle testing
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, including requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), and test plans
- Collaborate cross-functionally with software, electrical, optical, and GNC teams to ensure system-level performance
- Support environmental testing and validation, including thermal-vacuum, vibration, and EMI/EMC testing
- Participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR) and contribute to system-level decision making
Basic Qualifications:- 3-5 years of experience in spacecraft, aerospace, or mechanical, or electrical engineering (internships and relevant projects count)
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- Experience with spacecraft subsystems (structures, power, thermal, avionics, or similar)
- Familiarity with design tools in your field.
- Exposure to one or more of the following:
- Spacecraft design or satellite systems
- Hardware integration and testing
- Thermal or structural analysis
- Embedded or avionics systems
- Strong fundamentals in engineering analysis, system design, and problem-solving
- Eagerness to learn and operate in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience working on spacecraft or aerospace vehicle development programs (internship, academic, or industry)
- Hands-on experience with hardware integration, assembly, and testing
- Familiarity with environmental testing (thermal-vacuum, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC)
- Experience performing trade studies and system-level optimization
- Exposure to power systems, thermal systems, or structural analysis in aerospace applications
- Familiarity with GNC systems, orbital mechanics, or mission design considerations
- Experience with CAD, FEA, or thermal modeling tools (e.g., ANSYS, Thermal Desktop)
- Experience working on high-reliability or safety-critical systems with strong validation practices
- Demonstrated ability to take ownership of complex engineering problems from concept through testing
- Prior experience at a space, aerospace, or deep tech organization
- Strong interest in space systems, energy infrastructure, and building novel orbital capabilities
Compensation and BenefitsThe salary range for this position is
$150,000 - $200,000 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.
