Hardware Engineer III

Innoflight is one of San Diego's fastest-growing Aerospace and Defense innovators, engineering compact, cyber-secure solutions that power the next era of New Space—from software-defined radios and cryptographic systems to avionics.

About the role

As a Hardware Engineer III, you'll take technical ownership of complex electronic hardware that powers spacecraft subsystems. You'll lead the design and development of high-speed, analog, digital, and power electronics, driving embedded board-level solutions from concept through integration. This role blends deep technical expertise with cross-functional leadership—partnering with software, firmware (HDL), mechanical, and PCB layout teams to deliver high-reliability hardware ready for orbit. You'll also provide technical guidance, mentor engineers, and ensure that every design meets mission-critical performance standards.

Responsibilities

• Drive the design, validation, and debugging of analog, power, and embedded board-level electronic systems.
• Design Rocket I/O, Ethernet, PCI-e, DDR, RS-422, and LVDS interfaces for FPGAs, microcontrollers, and memory devices used in spacecraft systems.
• Develop linear and high-efficiency switching power supplies to meet demanding board-level voltage and current requirements.
• Provide expert direction for PCB stack-up configuration, impedance control, signal and power integrity, and EMI/EMC considerations.
• Conduct SPICE simulations and signal/power integrity analysis to ensure robust operation in radiation and space environments.
• Work closely with software, firmware, mechanical, and systems teams to achieve seamless hardware integration and performance alignment.
• Develop and review detailed design documentation, including specifications, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), test procedures, and user manuals.
• Lead troubleshooting, system integration, and test automation efforts using Linux, Python, PowerShell, or VHDL reference designs.
• Oversee component selection and validation to meet radiation, EMI/EMC, and space-grade reliability requirements.
• Provide technical guidance to junior engineers and contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and methodologies.

What you bring

• Complex hardware development—designing and validating advanced, high-speed electronic systems for mission-critical applications.
• System-level thinking—balancing performance, manufacturability, and integration across multiple subsystems.
• PCB design expertise—guiding layout teams with precision on stack-up design, routing, and signal integrity strategies.
• Technical leadership—leading reviews, mentoring peers, and making design decisions that influence spacecraft success.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline (Master's preferred).
• 5 or more years of experience designing and developing complex embedded and board-level electronic hardware.
• Strong background in high-speed digital and analog circuit design, including FPGAs, microprocessor-based systems, and memory architectures.
• Experience with schematic capture and PCB design tools such as Altium, OrCAD, or HyperLynx.
• Proficiency in signal and power integrity analysis, impedance control, and EMI/EMC compliance.
• Familiarity with radiation testing, space-grade component selection, and thermal management.
• Hands-on experience developing test automation scripts (Python, PowerShell) or reference designs (Linux, VHDL).
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.; Innoflight is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

Pay

The starting base salary for this position ranges from $115,582 to $173,372 per year, depending on the candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Benefits

• Profit-Sharing Bonus and a Cash Performance Bonus to reward both individual and company performance.
• 401(k) with 3% company match (automatic enrollment).
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, HSA, and life insurance.
• 10 paid holidays plus 120 hours PTO (starting in year one).
• Access to ancillary benefits such as critical illness, accident, disability, legal, and pet insurance.

Schedule

Flexible 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off.

Why you'll love working here

• Flexible work-life balance with a 9/80 schedule—every other Friday off to recharge, work on a passion project, or spend time with family.
• Continuous learning and development with tuition reimbursement, internal "Ask Me Anything" sessions, and weekly "Lunch & Learns."
• Mission-driven culture enabling the next era of space exploration, with Culture Ambassadors leading initiatives around inclusion, positivity, recognition, and transparency.
• A commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where individual voices are heard and individuality is celebrated.