Electrical Engineer III – Spacecraft Programs (Avionics)

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and technically driven Electrical Engineer III – Spacecraft Programs (Avionics) to lead avionics subsystem development for next-generation Ranger spacecraft. This position is ideal for an engineer who combines deep technical expertise with strong systems thinking and enjoys leading cross-functional engineering efforts from concept through flight.

Responsibilities

• Lead spacecraft avionics subsystem development across Ranger spacecraft programs from early architecture through integration, qualification, and flight readiness
• Derive avionics subsystem requirements from spacecraft- and mission-level requirements while maintaining full requirements traceability throughout development
• Author and maintain spacecraft Electrical Interface Control Documents (EICDs) and coordinate subsystem Interface Control Documents (ICDs) across multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Define, manage, and validate spacecraft electrical interfaces across avionics, power, propulsion, RF communications, GNC, payload, and flight software subsystems
• Drive resolution of complex technical integration issues while maintaining spacecraft-level electrical compatibility, redundancy, and operational integrity
• Perform make-versus-buy trade studies supporting avionics hardware architecture, component selection, and procurement strategies
• Manage avionics hardware development schedules, vendor coordination, hardware deliveries, and subsystem integration milestones
• Develop avionics integration and test (I&T) plans supporting subsystem verification, vehicle integration, environmental qualification, and flight readiness
• Support spacecraft assembly, integration, environmental testing, launch campaign activities, and mission readiness
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure avionics architectures support mission reliability, manufacturability, fault tolerance, and operational objectives
• Participate in major engineering reviews including System Requirements Review (SRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), Test Readiness Review (TRR), and Flight Readiness Review (FRR)
• Lead anomaly investigations, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis efforts supporting spacecraft avionics throughout development and integration
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen avionics development processes, interface management, and system integration methodologies

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline
• 7+ years of experience developing and integrating spacecraft avionics subsystems or other complex aerospace electronics
• Demonstrated experience deriving subsystem requirements and defining spacecraft electrical interfaces
• Experience authoring spacecraft Electrical Interface Control Documents (EICDs) and coordinating Interface Control Documents (ICDs) across multidisciplinary teams
• Strong understanding of spacecraft electrical architectures and subsystem interactions across avionics, power, software, communications, propulsion, and payload systems
• Experience with spacecraft communication interfaces including RS-422, RS-485, LVDS, SpaceWire, Gigabit Ethernet, discrete I/O, and related protocols
• Systems-level engineering mindset with experience supporting subsystem integration, debugging, and technical issue resolution
• Excellent organizational, analytical, technical communication, and cross-functional leadership skills
• Comfortable operating within a fast-paced spacecraft development environment with high ownership and execution expectations

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline
• Experience working across multiple spacecraft subsystems including propulsion, RF communications, GNC, payloads, and electrical power systems
• Hands-on experience supporting spacecraft Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T), including subsystem- and vehicle-level environmental qualification
• Experience supporting spacecraft mission operations following launch and deployment
• Experience leading schematic reviews, PCB design reviews, and hardware peer reviews
• Deep understanding of spacecraft avionics redundancy architectures, fault management strategies, and graceful degradation approaches
• Experience supporting reliability engineering, radiation effects analysis, EMI/EMC compliance, and fault-tolerant spacecraft design
• Experience managing spacecraft avionics hardware vendors, subcontractors, and external development partners
• Experience supporting U.S. Space Force, NASA, NRO, SDA, AFRL, or other national security and defense-related spacecraft programs

Skills

• Strong understanding of spacecraft electrical architectures and subsystem interactions across avionics, power, software, communications, propulsion, and payload systems
• Experience with spacecraft communication interfaces including RS-422, RS-485, LVDS, SpaceWire, Gigabit Ethernet, discrete I/O, and related protocols
• Systems-level engineering mindset with experience supporting subsystem integration, debugging, and technical issue resolution
• Excellent organizational, analytical, technical communication, and cross-functional leadership skills
• Comfortable operating within a fast-paced spacecraft development environment with high ownership and execution expectations

Benefits

Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, FSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing

Pay

$125,000–$175,000

Schedule

Location: Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA or Denver, CO