Electrical Engineer II – SDR Development

Argotec INC; La Mirada (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive pay based on perfomce

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) with 100% match up to 8%

Life insurance

3 weeks paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Argotec is seeking an Electrical Engineer II in California to support hardware design for UST‑Lite SDR and space‑flight electronics. You will design circuits, run simulations, perform reliability analyses, and collaborate with systems, hardware, FPGA, and software teams.

This role emphasizes hands‑on debugging, test plan development, and participation in PDR/CDR reviews, with opportunities to influence flight hardware build processes and procure parts in compliance with NASA/ESA standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or related fields.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in designing spaceflight electronic hardware.
• U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Residency is required.
• Excellent written and oral communication in English.

Responsibilities

• Support hardware design for spaceflight SDR and electronics.
• Design circuits and run simulations; perform reliability analyses.
• Develop test plans and execute tests to verify performance.
• Produce design documentation and PCB fabrication outputs.
• Coordinate with manufacturing for DFM and parts procurement.
• Participate in PDR/CDR and engineering reviews.

Skills

Team player

Autonomous work

Do what it takes

Education

Electrical Engineering degree or related field

Tools

Altium Designer

LTspice

HFSS

SIwave

Job description

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

As an Electrical Engineer II in our California team, you will report to the Senior Electrical Engineer. You will support hardware design for the UST‑Lite software‑defined radio (SDR) and contribute across the full lifecycle of space‑flight electronics. You will design circuits, run simulations, conduct reliability analysis, and support testing and integration efforts in collaboration with systems, hardware, FPGA, and software engineering teams.

• Participate in system-level trade studies and help define interfaces for spacecraft avionics and telecom subsystems;
• Analyze existing hardware and design electrical circuits (power, analog, high‑speed digital, RF/microwave) to meet requirements;
• Perform time‑and frequency‑domain simulations as necessary;
• Perform reliability analyses (WCA, EPSA, radiation, etc.) and update designs as necessary;
• Generate PCB fabrication outputs (e.g., Gerbers) and assembly drawings;
• Coordinate with manufacturing teams to ensure design-for-manufacturability (DFM) considerations are met;
• Assess parts classifications per NASA/ESA standards and track procurement of parts and PCB assemblies;
• Develop test plans and procedures and execute tests to verify performance against requirements;
• Produce detailed design documentation for new and legacy designs;
• Perform hands‑on board debugging and support troubleshooting during integration;
• Participate in engineering design reviews (PDR, CDR, etc.).

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, RF/Microwave Engineering, Power Engineering, or related fields; Minimum 3 years of experience in designing spaceflight electronic hardware; U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Residency is required; Excellent written and oral communication in English.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• Team player and a “Do what it takes” attitude;
• Proficiency with Altium Designer and configuration management tools;
• Familiarity with analog, power, high‑speed digital, and RF/microwave circuits;
• Experience with reliability analyses (WCA, PSA, radiation);
• Experience with time‑domain and frequency‑domain simulations (LTspice, SIwave, HFSS, s‑parameters);
• Knowledge of PCB materials, stack‑ups, and technology limits for SMT components;
• Familiarity with NASA EEE‑INST‑002 or equivalent standards;
• Experience with qualification and environmental testing;
• Proficiency with lab instruments (oscilloscopes, VNAs, spectrum analyzers, power analyzers, etc.);
• Understanding of flight hardware build processes (work instructions, travelers, as‑built lists, etc.);
• Ability to work autonomously in a fast‑paced environment and manage priorities effectively;
• Strong analytical capabilities combined with a collaborative mindset and excellent communication skills, with the ability to operate effectively in fast‑paced, iterative development environments.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Background in Space or Defense industries will be considered as a plus;
• Knowledge of AIT methodologies used by NASA/ESA;
• Familiarity with high‑frequency RF circuit designs beyond Ka‑band;
• Experience with space avionics interfaces (SpaceWire, Ethernet, CAN);
• Familiarity with NASA GEVS, ECSS‑Q‑ST‑20, and related standards;
• Experience with anomaly investigations involving flight hardware;
• Understanding of spacecraft telecommunications and SDR architectures;
• Strength in solving complex problems across HW/SW/FW boundaries.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, the applicant 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 or U.S. Department of Commerce.

ARGOTEC OFFERS

• Annual incentive pay is based upon performance and commensurate with the level of the position.
• Generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 100% match up to 8%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

Equal Opportunity Statement

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, this announcement is aimed at both sexes, under laws 903/77 and 125/91, and to people of all ages and all nationalities, under legislative decrees 215/03 and 216/03.

Argotec is committed to fostering an inclusive, accepting, and diverse environment free of discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

About Argotec

Argotec is an Italian aerospace company specializing in the production of small satellite platforms (from 6U Cubesats up to +250kg-platforms) and innovative products to improve the comfort of space explorers. Thanks to its facilities and know-how, the company's activities follow the "all in-house" concept, which includes design, development, integration, qualification, and operational services. At Argotec, we’re not just building satellites; we’re shaping the future of space innovation. Our selection process is tailored to each role and includes at least a call with our Talent Acquisition Team, a technical evaluation and a final in‑person meeting. Your recruiter will share more insights during your first meeting with us! At Argotec, we thrive on diverse perspectives and unique strengths. Your individuality could be the missing piece to our puzzle! Even if you don't meet every skill listed above, we encourage you to apply if you're passionate about the role and believe you can contribute to our team's success.