Avionics Engineer

Cowboy Space; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Daily lunch in the office

Job summary

Cowboy Space in San Carlos, CA, seeks an Avionics Engineer responsible for designing and integrating electrical systems for advanced satellite payloads. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering and 1-5 years of relevant experience.

This in-person role requires collaboration with various engineering teams to meet stringent performance standards as Cowboy Space aims for its first space demonstration in 2026. Compensation ranges from $110,000 to $150,000 annually, along with benefits including equity and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• 1-5 years of experience in electrical design, preferably in aerospace or optical systems.
• Hands-on experience with electrical and optical components is essential.
• Familiarity with control systems and sensors is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and test electrical hardware for satellite payloads.
• Maintain detailed technical documentation.
• Support environmental testing for space qualification.

Skills

Electrical design

Circuit simulation

Troubleshooting

Experience with lab equipment

Proficiency with CAD tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

LTspice

Altium

Oscilloscopes

Job description

About Cowboy Space Corp.

Cowboy Space Corp is solving the global energy crisis by building the infrastructure for abundant, resilient, and continuous space‑based solar energy. We are tackling humanity’s most complex engineering challenge with a world‑class team dedicated to delivering a revolutionary power platform. Aetherflux is transforming how civilization powers, computes, and connects—from orbit to Earth.

Avionics Engineer

The Avionics Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and integration of electrical systems supporting advanced optical and laser satellite payloads. This role will require hands‑on work with both electrical and optical components to ensure seamless integration of high‑power laser systems and payloads for Aetherflux satellites. You will collaborate with optical, mechanical, software, and systems engineers to develop solutions that meet rigorous performance standards for space applications.

This is an in‑person role at our San Carlos, CA HQ. You would join us on an aggressive timeline and see your work in space as we conduct our first space demonstration in the summer of 2026.

Responsibilities

• Design and test electrical hardware for laser and optical subsystems, focusing on power management, control systems, and signal processing.
• Develop and maintain schematics, PCB designs, and harness diagrams for laser systems and satellite subsystems.
• Conduct testing and validation of electrical systems, including integration with optical components such as detectors, sensors, and laser drivers.
• Perform testing and debugging of electrical hardware, ensuring robust operation under various environmental conditions.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (optics, mechanical, and thermal engineers) to ensure seamless integration and system‑level functionality.
• Maintain detailed technical documentation, including system requirements, design specifications, and test plans.
• Support environmental testing and validation, including thermal‑vacuum, vibration, and electromagnetic interference tests to ensure space‑qualification of electrical subsystems.
• Participate in customer and internal design reviews, providing technical insights and recommendations for system improvements.
• Stay up‑to‑date with emerging technologies and industry trends, and continuously improve the design and development process in the electrical engineering lab.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 1‑5 years of experience in electrical design, preferably in aerospace, satellite, or optical systems.
• Circuit simulation and analysis experience using tools such as LTspice and spreadsheets.
• Hands‑on experience with lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, soldering stations, and laser drivers.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and experience debugging electrical systems in lab environments.
• Proficiency with CAD tools for electrical design (e.g., Altium, OrCAD).
• Familiarity with control systems, sensors, and their integration into optical platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience with high‑power laser systems, including design, integration, and testing of laser control systems.
• Familiarity with space qualification standards and environmental testing for aerospace applications (thermal‑vacuum, vibration, radiation).
• Experience working with cross‑functional engineering teams, particularly in optical and mechanical disciplines.
• Knowledge of embedded systems and firmware development for control of optical and electrical systems.
• Understanding of satellite electrical systems and power distribution for space applications.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $110,000 – $150,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job‑related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
• Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• 10 paid holidays per calendar year
• Paid parental leave
• Relocation assistance if applicable
• Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirements

• Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Disclaimer

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all‑inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.’s discretion.

Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.