Lead Avionics Engineer (Space)

NewSpace Technical; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Bonus

Commission

Job summary

NewSpace Technical is seeking a Lead Avionics Engineer in Los Angeles (onsite) to own the architecture, development, qualification, and integration of mission-critical flight electronics while building and leading the company’s avionics capability. You will define the technical vision for flight electronics and establish processes for rapid, reliable hardware development.

This highly visible leadership role requires hands-on execution, team mentorship, and collaboration across engineering

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer, aerospace engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience developing avionics or embedded spacecraft systems.
• Experience with PCB design, EDA tools, embedded processors and interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Own avionics architecture and technical roadmap across programs.
• Lead design, analysis, testing, qualification, and integration of flight avionics hardware.
• Develop system requirements, interfaces, and verification strategies.
• Build, mentor, and lead a growing avionics engineering team.
• Establish engineering processes, standards, and best practices.
• Collaborate with systems, software, mechanical, and test engineering teams.
• Manage technical risks and ensure successful execution.

Skills

Leadership

Systems engineering

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Startup adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

EDA tools

PCB development tools

Flight avionics toolchains

Job description

Los Angeles (Onsite) | Full-Time Permanent | $150K–$225K Base + Equity + Bonus + Commission

NewSpace Technical is partnered with an exciting, well-funded space startup developing next-generation technologies for the future of space operations. Following a period of significant growth, the company is looking to appoint a Lead Avionics Engineer to own the architecture, development, qualification, and integration of mission-critical flight electronics while building and leading the company's avionics capability.

This search is being conducted on a confidential basis. Further details regarding the company, mission, funding, and technology roadmap will be shared with shortlisted candidates.

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Lead Avionics Engineer to define and own the design, development, qualification, and integration of avionics systems across a portfolio of advanced space hardware. As the company's senior avionics engineer, you will establish the technical vision for flight electronics, develop engineering processes, and build a high-performing avionics team as the business scales.

This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role suited to someone who enjoys solving complex technical challenges while helping shape the engineering culture of a fast-growing space company.

Responsibilities

• Own the avionics architecture and technical roadmap across multiple space programs.
• Lead the design, analysis, testing, qualification, and integration of flight avionics hardware.
• Develop system requirements, interfaces, and verification strategies for mission-critical electronics.
• Build, mentor, and lead a growing avionics engineering team.
• Establish engineering processes, design standards, and best practices for avionics development.
• Collaborate closely with systems, software, mechanical, manufacturing, and test engineering teams.
• Manage technical risks and ensure successful execution across multiple development programs.
• Support system integration, environmental testing, troubleshooting, validation, and flight readiness activities.
• Drive continuous improvement throughout the complete hardware development lifecycle.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience developing avionics or embedded electronic systems for spacecraft, launch vehicles, satellites, aerospace, defence, or other mission-critical applications.
• Strong experience with electronic design, PCB development, and EDA tools.
• Experience with embedded processors, communications interfaces, sensors, instrumentation, and power electronics.
• Proven ability to lead complex technical projects in multidisciplinary engineering environments.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment where ownership and initiative are highly valued.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Experience developing avionics for spacecraft, launch vehicles, satellites, or other space systems.
• Experience taking flight hardware from concept through design, qualification, integration, launch, and operations.
• Understanding of radiation effects, EMC/EMI, reliability engineering, and environmental qualification for space electronics.
• Experience planning and executing environmental test campaigns, including thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, and EMI/EMC testing.
• Previous experience leading or mentoring engineering teams.

What Success Looks Like

• Deliver robust, flight-ready avionics architectures that meet mission performance and reliability requirements.
• Establish and grow a world-class avionics engineering function.
• Successfully qualify and deploy avionics hardware for flight missions.
• Build and mentor a high-performing engineering team.
• Balance technical excellence with execution, schedule, and program objectives.

Why Join

This is an opportunity to become the founding technical leader for avionics within an ambitious, well-funded space startup. You'll have significant ownership over technical strategy, architecture, team growth, and the successful delivery of mission-critical flight hardware, helping shape the future of next-generation space systems from the ground up.