Electrical Engineer

Starfish Space Inc.; Tukwila (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Starfish Space Inc. is seeking an electrical engineer to support the production and refinement of the Otter space-tug hardware. This role emphasizes designing electrical schematics, PCB layouts, and hands-on prototyping for autonomous satellite servicing in orbit.

You will work in a fast-paced startup environment in Tukwila, WA, applying circuit theory and manufacturing processes to space hardware, with ITAR considerations and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience using circuit design and analysis software.
• B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.
• Proficiency with electrical circuit theory and electrical manufacturing processes.
• Must be a US person due to ITAR regulations (citizen, permanent resident, or designated asylee / refugee).
• Willing to work from Tukwila, Washington.
• Capable of working a dynamic, fast paced startup environment.

Responsibilities

• Support production and refinement efforts of Otter space-tug hardware.
• Design electrical schematics and PCB layouts for space hardware.
• Collaborate with mechanical and software teams to integrate HW/SW.

Skills

Circuit design

Electrical theory

Electrical manufacturing

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

PCB layouts

Job description

About Starfish Space

Starfish Space provides satellite servicing missions with its Otter servicing vehicle, including life extension missions for geostationary satellites and disposal missions for low Earth orbit satellites. Founded in 2019, Starfish has raised over $150M in venture capital funding and built a team of engineers with experience spanning satellite guidance, navigation, control, and autonomous robotics. Starfish has launched several missions to-date, and is focused on delivering Otter satellite servicing missions for SES, the U.S. Space Force, the Space Development Agency, NASA, and others.

Position Description

Satellite servicing missions require autonomous, robotic actions in orbit. To fulfill our mission Starfish developed the Otter space tug, including the Nautilus capture mechanism, and other related mechanical hardware to interact with and maximize the operational value of satellites. This position will support the production & refinement efforts of that technology, and relies heavily on electrical engineering, electromechanical prototyping, and system design skills. This engineer will do everything ranging from designing electrical schematics and PCB layouts, to manufacturing prototypes, to building hardware that performs first-of-its-kind satellite servicing on-orbit.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience using circuit design and analysis software
• B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent
• Proficiency with electrical circuit theory and electrical manufacturing processes
• Must be a US person due to ITAR regulations (citizen, permanent resident, or designated asylee / refugee)
• Willing to work from Tukwila, Washington
• Capable of working a dynamic, fast paced startup environment

Desired Experience

• Experience working on HW / SW integration is a plus
• Familiarity with hardware for space applications

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you 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.