Hardware Engineer III

Innoflight; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 116,000 - 173,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit-Sharing Bonus

Cash Performance Bonus

401(k) with 3% company match

Medical, dental, vision, HSA & life

Job summary

Innoflight in San Diego is seeking a Senior Hardware Engineer III to own high-speed electronic hardware for spacecraft subsystems. You will lead analog, digital, and power electronics design from concept through integration, collaborating with software, firmware, mechanical, and systems teams.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, mentorship, and delivering mission-critical hardware that withstands radiation and space environments, while advancing test automation and EMI/EMC practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline (Master’s preferred).
• 5+ years designing complex embedded and board-level hardware.
• Strong background in high-speed digital and analog circuit design including FPGAs, microprocessor-based systems, memory architectures.
• Experience with schematic capture and PCB design tools such as Altium, OrCAD, or HyperLynx.
• Proficiency in signal and power integrity analysis, impedance control, EMI/EMC compliance.
• Familiarity with radiation testing, space-grade component selection, and thermal management.
• Hands-on experience developing test automation scripts (Python, PowerShell) or reference designs (Linux, VHDL).
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead Advanced Hardware Design: drive the design, validation, and debugging of analog, power, and embedded board-level electronic systems.
• Develop High-Speed Interfaces: design Rocket I/O, Ethernet, PCI-e, DDR, RS-422, and LVDS interfaces for FPGAs, microcontrollers, and memory devices used in spacecraft systems.
• Design Power Systems: develop linear and high-efficiency switching power supplies to meet demanding board-level voltage and current requirements.
• Guide PCB Layout: provide expert direction for stack-up configuration, impedance control, signal and power integrity, EMI/EMC considerations.
• Perform Advanced Analyses: conduct SPICE simulations and signal/power integrity analysis to ensure robust operation in radiation and space environments.
• Collaborate Across Disciplines: work closely with software, firmware, mechanical, and systems teams to achieve seamless hardware integration and performance alignment.
• Document and Review: develop and review detailed design documentation, including specifications, ICDs, test procedures, and user manuals.
• Support Manufacturing and Test: lead troubleshooting, system integration, and test automation efforts using Linux, Python, PowerShell, or VHDL reference designs.
• Ensure Compliance: oversee component selection and validation to meet radiation, EMI/EMC, and space-grade reliability requirements.
• Mentor and Lead: provide technical guidance to junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement of design processes.

Skills

High-speed digital

Analog design

FPGAs

Microprocessor-based systems

Memory architectures

Schematic capture

PCB design tools

Python

PowerShell

VHDL

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Altium

OrCAD

HyperLynx

Job description

GROW WITH US AND STAY EXTRAORDINARY:Launch your career to new heights with Innoflight—one of San Diego’s fastest-growing Aerospace and Defense innovators. Here, visionary minds engineer the future of space technology through pioneering, compact, and cyber-secure solutions. From software-defined radios to cutting-edge cryptographic systems and avionics, everything we build powers the next era of New Space. Join our small, agile, and mission-driven team where your work has real impact and your growth has no limits. We’re not just reaching for the stars—we’re engineering them. Let’s innovate the infinite, together.

GROW WITH US AND STAY EXTRAORDINARY:Launch your career to new heights with Innoflight—one of San Diego’s fastest-growing Aerospace and Defense innovators. Here, visionary minds engineer the future of space technology through pioneering, compact, and cyber-secure solutions. From software-defined radios to cutting-edge cryptographic systems and avionics, everything we build powers the next era of New Space. Join our small, agile, and mission-driven team where your work has real impact and your growth has no limits. We’re not just reaching for the stars—we’re engineering them. Let’s innovate the infinite, together.

A DAY IN THE LIFE:As a Hardware Engineer III, you’ll take technical ownership of complex electronic hardware that powers spacecraft subsystems. You’ll lead the design and development of high-speed, analog, digital, and power electronics, driving embedded board-level solutions from concept through integration. This role blends deep technical expertise with cross-functional leadership—partnering with software, firmware (HDL), mechanical, and PCB layout teams to deliver high-reliability hardware ready for orbit. You’ll also provide technical guidance, mentor engineers, and ensure that every design meets mission-critical performance standards.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Lead Advanced Hardware Design: Drive the design, validation, and debugging of analog, power, and embedded board-level electronic systems.
• Develop High-Speed Interfaces: Design Rocket I/O, Ethernet, PCI-e, DDR, RS-422, and LVDS interfaces for FPGAs, microcontrollers, and memory devices used in spacecraft systems.
• Design Power Systems: Develop linear and high-efficiency switching power supplies to meet demanding board-level voltage and current requirements.
• Guide PCB Layout: Provide expert direction for stack-up configuration, impedance control, signal and power integrity, and EMI/EMC considerations.
• Perform Advanced Analyses: Conduct SPICE simulations and signal/power integrity analysis to ensure robust operation in radiation and space environments.
• Collaborate Across Disciplines: Work closely with software, firmware, mechanical, and systems teams to achieve seamless hardware integration and performance alignment.
• Document and Review: Develop and review detailed design documentation, including specifications, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), test procedures, and user manuals.
• Support Manufacturing and Test: Lead troubleshooting, system integration, and test automation efforts using Linux, Python, PowerShell, or VHDL reference designs.
• Ensure Compliance: Oversee component selection and validation to meet radiation, EMI/EMC, and space-grade reliability requirements.
• Mentor and Lead: Provide technical guidance to junior engineers and contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and methodologies.

YOU’RE AWESOME AT:

• Complex Hardware Development: You thrive on designing and validating advanced, high-speed electronic systems for mission-critical applications.
• System-Level Thinking: You see the full picture—balancing performance, manufacturability, and integration across multiple subsystems.
• PCB Design Expertise: You guide layout teams with precision on stack-up design, routing, and signal integrity strategies.
• Technical Leadership: You’re confident leading reviews, mentoring peers, and making design decisions that influence spacecraft success.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline (Master’s preferred).
• 5 or more years of experience designing and developing complex embedded and board-level electronic hardware.
• Strong background in high-speed digital and analog circuit design, including FPGAs, microprocessor-based systems, and memory architectures.
• Experience with schematic capture and PCB design tools such as Altium, OrCAD, or HyperLynx.
• Proficiency in signal and power integrity analysis, impedance control, and EMI/EMC compliance.
• Familiarity with radiation testing, space-grade component selection, and thermal management.
• Hands-on experience developing test automation scripts (Python, PowerShell) or reference designs (Linux, VHDL).
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:The starting base salary for this position ranges from $115,582 to $173,372 per year, depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to a competitive base salary, Innoflight offers a well-rounded compensation package that includes a Profit-Sharing Bonus and a Cash Performance Bonus to reward both individual and company performance. Additional benefits include:

• 401(k) with 3% company match (automatic enrollment)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, HSA & life insurance
• 10 paid holidays + 120 hours PTO (starting in year one)
• Access to ancillary benefits such as critical illness, accident, disability, legal and pet insurance.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE:

• Flexible Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off—whether you use it to recharge, work on a passion project, or spend time with family, the choice is yours.
• Continuous Learning & Development: We’re serious about professional development. From tuition reimbursement to internal "Ask Me Anything" sessions and weekly “Lunch & Learns,” we make learning a core part of the job.
• Mission-Driven Culture: We aren’t just building tech—we’re enabling the next era of space exploration. Our Culture Ambassadors help lead initiatives around inclusion, positivity, recognition, and transparency. Here, your voice is heard, your work is respected, and your individuality is celebrated.

BE YOU, WITH US:At Innoflight, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone belongs. We recognize that great talent comes in many forms, and you don’t need to meet every requirement to bring value to our team. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t check every box.

YOU SHOULD KNOW:Potential new employees must successfully complete a background check which includes criminal search, education certification and employment verification prior to hire. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S as you must have the ability to obtain a security clearance. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

To California residents applying for this job, please read Innoflight’s CCPA Notice: https://www.innoflight.com/careers/california-consumer-privacy-act-notice-for-job-applicants.