Avionics Manager, Spacecraft

Katalyst; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 177,000 - 217,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan

Relocation bonus

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Job summary

Katalyst is seeking a leader for their avionics organization, overseeing spacecraft electronics and embedded software development. The role requires a strong background in aerospace systems with responsibilities from design to integration.

Candidates should have over 8 years of experience in developing complex embedded systems, along with leadership skills to manage a high-performing team. Compensation varies based on experience, with a salary range of $177,000 - $217,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 8+ years developing complex embedded systems for aerospace or related industries.
• 3+ years leading technical teams or engineering organizations.
• Experience developing flight computers or spacecraft avionics.

Responsibilities

• Lead the avionics organization responsible for spacecraft electronics and embedded software.
• Own avionics architecture across multiple spacecraft programs.
• Drive hardware and software development efforts.

Skills

Embedded systems development

Leadership

Communication

Fault management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering

Tools

FPGA-based systems

CAN

RS-422/485

SpaceWire

Ethernet

Job description

Katalyst Description:

We build robotic spacecraft that enable dynamic space operations, creating a future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space activity that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Katalyst Culture:

Working at Katalyst is intense, hands‑on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the avionics organization responsible for spacecraft electronics, embedded software, communications, power systems, sensors, harnessing, and fault management.
• Own avionics architecture across multiple spacecraft programs from concept through flight operations.
• Oversight of power electronics design, development, testing, and integration to ensure system performance, reliability, and compliance with technical requirements.
• Drive hardware and software development efforts, ensuring designs meet performance, reliability, schedule, and cost requirements.
• Establish avionics engineering processes, standards, and design reviews.
• Partner closely with Systems, GNC, Robotics, Flight Software, and Mission Operations teams.
• Lead avionics integration, environmental testing, and flight qualification campaigns.
• Develop technical roadmaps for future avionics capabilities supporting robotic servicing missions.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high‑performing avionics team.
• Support customer engagements, technical reviews, and proposal efforts.

What We’re Looking For

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years developing complex embedded systems for aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomous systems, or related industries.
• 3+ years leading technical teams or engineering organizations.
• Experience developing flight computers, embedded electronics, communications systems, or spacecraft avionics.
• Experience with integration, verification, and qualification testing of hardware/software systems.
• Strong understanding of reliability, redundancy, fault management, and mission‑critical architectures.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Preferred

• Spacecraft development experience through launch and on‑orbit operations.
• Experience with radiation‑tolerant electronics and space‑qualified hardware.
• Familiarity with CAN, SpaceWire, Ethernet, RS‑422/485, SPI, I2C, and spacecraft communication architectures.
• Experience with FPGA‑based systems and high‑reliability embedded software.
• Experience building hardware‑in‑the‑loop and software‑in‑the‑loop test environments.
• Experience supporting design reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR.
• Active U.S. security clearance or ability to obtain one.

Additional Requirements

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits

Your base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $177,000 - $217,000 annually.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR‑controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non‑U.S. person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.