Principal Electrical Engineer (RPU Unit Lead)

• We are seeking a highly skilled Principal Electrical Engineer to lead the design, development, integration, test, and flight qualification of advanced spaceborne payloads
• This post focuses on the role of Unit Lead (aka Responsible Engineer) in our Reconfigurable Processing Unit (RPU) product line
• CesiumAstro RPUs are complex, VPX-based electronics boxes consisting of our software-defined radios, single-board computers, power supply modules, and RF front ends, driven by CesiumAstro modems and software
• The Unit Lead is responsible for both technical definition and execution of a new RPU product
• This combines deep, multi-disciplinary technical accountability with responsibility for on-time schedule execution
• The project may include the development of new VPX module products, new backplanes and interface options, and/or new software features, coming together into a qualified, customer-ready product
• The Unit Lead is the leader of the multidisciplinary technical team, the primary point of contact for the program manager, and often a key interface point for our customers
• Success in this role requires strength in technical topics as well as project management, leadership, and communication in a fast-paced startup environment
• Serve as the RPU Unit Lead and primary technical point of contact for the box throughout the product development lifecycle
• Lead the end-to-end engineering effort for the box, including architecture, design, prototyping, integration, test, environmental qualification, and flight readiness
• Coordinate and direct a team of RF, digital, power, mechanical, thermal, software, and systems engineers to ensure consistent and timely technical execution
• Hold schedule accountability for the box development
• Develop and review payload control schemes, internal data interfaces, command & telemetry architecture, and firmware/software integration as needed
• Manage all flight qualification activities, including environmental test planning (thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, EMC), margin assessment, and final acceptance testing
• Own the transition to volume production, including manufacturability, testability, and customer-facing documentation
• Generate and maintain box-level documentation: requirements, ICDs, block diagrams, test plans, verification matrices, risk registers, and design reviews
• Interface with spacecraft systems engineering, mission assurance, manufacturing, vendors, and test facilities
• Drive root cause analysis, anomaly resolution, and technical risk mitigation throughout development and test campaigns
• Communicate status, technical trades, risks, and design decisions to internal leadership and external customers

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision
• HSA and FSA
• Company stock options
• Life, disability and retirement plans

Strong knowledge of systems engineering practices, requirements flowdown, verification/validation, and configuration managementHands-on experience with related technologies such as software-defined radiosLeadership experience, including mentoring or leading multidisciplinary engineering teamsBachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering or a related field9+ years of engineering experience in electronics hardware developmentExcellent communication skills with ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiencesDemonstrated understanding of payload control systems, digital interfaces, command & data handling, and embedded hardware/software interactionsProven experience executing or overseeing flight qualification and environmental test campaigns (TVAC, vib/shock, EMC, radiation considerations)Experience managing hardware/software product development projectsExperience with high-rate manufacturing, rapid development cycles, and/or NewSpace ecosystemsExperience with radiation-tolerant designPrior role as a Responsible Engineer, Technical Lead, IPT Lead, or Chief Engineer on flight hardwareBackground in digital signal processing, beamforming algorithms, or embedded firmware for payload controlHigh energy and a “get it done” attitudeExperience mentoring less-experienced project engineers and design engineers in associated discipline