Automation & Controls Engineering Associate (Winter 2027)

Astranis Space Technologies; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Astranis Space Technologies is seeking an Automation & Controls Engineering Associate for Winter 2027 in the United States. You will help build automated test infrastructure for satellite hardware, from control systems to telemetry pipelines, collaborating with engineering teams across disciplines to ensure safe, reliable testing.

The role blends hardware and software work, requiring hands-on lab or factory experience and strong Python skills.

Qualifications

• B.S. in a technical field required or closely related.
• Strong Python skills demonstrated in coursework or projects.
• Clear written communication and cross‑functional teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Support design, build, integration and commissioning of automated test systems for spacecraft hardware.
• Own electrical controls hardware including panels, wiring, sensors and safety interlocks.
• Integrate automated systems with environmental test equipment like thermal chambers and vibration systems.
• Collaborate with test, mechanical, electrical, reliability and software teams to build safe, repeatable tests.

Skills

Python

Team collaboration

Written communication

Hands-on hardware

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

B.S. in Mechatronics

B.S. in Computer Science

Job description

Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity's reach into the solar system. Today Astranis satellites provide dedicated, secure networks to highly sophisticated customers across the globe - large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military.

With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch soon, the company is servicing a backlog of more than $1 billion of commercial contracts. Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent requirements for uptime, data security, network visibility, and customization.

Astranis has raised over $1.2 billion from some of the world's best investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, Baillie Gifford, Blackrock, Fidelity, Franklin Templeton, and Snowpoint, and employs a team of 500 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA.

Automation & Controls Engineering Associate (Winter 2027)

As an Automation & Controls Engineering Associate, you'll help build the automated test infrastructure used to shake, heat, cool, evacuate, and otherwise stress satellite hardware during environmental testing. From electrical control systems and safety interlocks to test automation software and telemetry pipelines, your work will help enable safe, reliable, and repeatable spacecraft testing.

You'll work at the intersection of hardware and software, collaborating with experienced engineers and technicians from early design and prototyping through commissioning, validation, and operational support.

Role

• Support the design, build, integration, and commissioning of automated test systems for spacecraft hardware and ground-support equipment
• Own electrical controls hardware, including control panels, wiring, sensors, actuators, relays, power distribution, DAQ systems, and safety interlocks
• Integrate automated systems with environmental test equipment, including thermal and thermal-vacuum chambers, vibration systems, pumps, valves, and programmable controllers
• Collaborate with environmental test, mechanical, electrical, reliability, manufacturing, and software teams to build safe and repeatable test solutions

Requirements

• Hold a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related technical degree
• Experience through coursework, projects, research, internships, clubs, or personal work in one or more of the following areas:
  • Electrical circuits, instrumentation, sensors, or data acquisition
  • Embedded systems, PLCs, or industrial automation
  • Control systems, state machines, or hardware/software integration
• Strong proficiency in Python
• Clear written communication skills and the ability to work effectively on a cross-functional, hands-on engineering team
• Willingness to work in a lab or factory environment and perform hands-on hardware tasks

The base salary for this position is $1,925 per week.

Base Salary

$1,925-$1,925 USD

U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, Or Refugee/Asylee Status Required

(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3))

Our mission and products are built for everyone, regardless of gender, race, creed, or background. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we invite all people to join our team and bring their unique perspectives to make us stronger.

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