Senior Avionics Engineer - Own Flight Electronics for an Advanced Launch SystemAlameda, California | On-siteOpportunity SummaryJoin a venture-backed aerospace startup developing an advanced launch platform designed to reduce the cost of delivering payloads to orbit. The company is building flight hardware that must perform in one of the most demanding aerospace environments, requiring robust electronics, embedded systems, communications, and power architectures that can withstand extreme operating conditions. As a Senior Avionics Engineer, you will own the vehicle's complete avionics system from initial architecture through design, integration, qualification, and flight.
This is a highly hands-on engineering role with responsibility across embedded electronics, flight computing, telemetry, power systems, instrumentation, and system integration. You will work alongside mechanical, systems, software, and flight engineers to design, build, test, and iterate hardware from concept through launch.About UsWe are an early-stage aerospace company developing advanced launch technologies that expand access to space through innovative engineering and rapid hardware development. Backed by venture funding and led by an experienced technical team, we move quickly, emphasize first-principles engineering, and give engineers broad ownership over the systems they develop.
Every team member plays a direct role in shaping both the product and the company.Job DutiesOwn the overall avionics architecture, including flight computers, command and data handling systems, and onboard electronicsDesign, develop, and qualify embedded electronic hardware for demanding aerospace environmentsDevelop embedded firmware using C/C++, RTOS, or bare-metal architecturesDesign multilayer printed circuit boards, perform schematic capture, support board bring-up, and validate new hardwareLead development of onboard sensor systems, instrumentation, signal conditioning, and data acquisitionDesign and integrate telemetry, RF communication systems, antennas, and flight communication hardwareDevelop vehicle power distribution architecture, battery integration, and power conditioning systemsDesign and support flight safety electronics and associated qualification activitiesBuild and maintain hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) test environmentsPlan and execute environmental testing including vibration, shock, thermal cycling, and high-load qualification testingSupport integrated vehicle testing and field test campaigns through instrumentation, troubleshooting, and data collectionAnalyze test results, identify root causes, and implement hardware improvementsCreate and maintain engineering documentation, interface definitions, schematics, and qualification recordsPartner closely with systems, software, guidance, navigation and control, and mechanical engineering teams throughout developmentQualificationsBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related technical field4+ years of professional experience designing avionics, embedded electronics, or other high-reliability hardware systemsStrong embedded software development experience using C/C++, RTOS, or bare-metal firmwareExperience designing, debugging, and validating custom electronic hardwareExperience designing multilayer PCBs using Altium Designer, KiCad, or similar toolsStrong understanding of schematic capture, board bring-up, and hardware debuggingHands-on laboratory experience using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, power supplies, and soldering equipmentExperience taking hardware from concept through integration, testing, and qualificationAbility to work on-site in Alameda, California, with occasional travel to test facilitiesU.S. Person status required due to export control regulationsPreferred ExperienceRF communications, telemetry systems, antenna integration, and wireless link analysisBattery systems, power electronics, and power distribution designHardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) developmentData acquisition systems, instrumentation, and automated test equipmentExperience developing electronics for harsh operating environments involving vibration, shock, thermal extremes, or sustained accelerationFamiliarity with aerospace or defense qualification standardsExperience integrating avionics with flight software or guidance, navigation, and control systemsPython or MATLAB for engineering analysis, test automation, or data reductionMaster's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related disciplineWhy Join UsComprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance401(k) with company matchPaid time off and paid sick leaveEquity opportunityProfessional development supportStructured onboarding and integration programBroad technical ownership with the opportunity to influence system architecture and product directionSmall, experienced engineering team where your work directly impacts flight hardware and company growthCompensation Details$150,000 - $190,000