Lead Navigation Sensor Hardware Engineer

Cowboy Space Corp.; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 202,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Relocation assistance

Lunch provided

Job summary

Cowboy Space Corp. is seeking a navigation sensor hardware lead to own the sensor suite for our launch vehicles and spacecraft. You will select, calibrate, qualify, and integrate inertial sensors and GNSS hardware while sharing components where feasible across vehicles.

This hands-on technical leadership role delivers reliable sensor hardware and calibrated performance to the vehicle and GNC teams, coordinating with suppliers and engineering partners from selection through integration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical or aerospace engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of navigation sensor hardware or avionics integration experience.
• Understanding of IMU error sources and calibration methods.
• Experience integrating accelerometers, gyroscopes, or IMUs into high-reliability systems.
• Hands-on test setup development and sensor data analysis.
• Knowledge of manufacturing-friendly design and supplier coordination.
• Experience with ADCs, DACs, and data acquisition systems.
• Experience with diverse sensors (proximity, pressure, temp, strain, encoders).

Responsibilities

• Define navigation sensor hardware requirements and select sensor suite for each application.
• Evaluate accelerometers, gyros, IMUs, and GNSS receivers against performance and environment requirements.
• Identify shared components across vehicles and document varying environments.
• Own electrical/mechanical integration of the sensor suite with avionics and vehicle teams.
• Develop calibration methods and provide performance models to navigation software.
• Plan and lead acceptance/testing including thermal, vibration, EMI/EMC, and radiation as applicable.
• Lead sensor hardware failure analysis and implement improvements.
• Establish repeatable calibration and acceptance processes with manufacturing and test teams.

Skills

Navigation sensor hardware

Avionics integration

IMU concepts

IMU integration

Test setups

DFX / Manufacturing

ADC/DAC

Various sensors

GNSS integration

Component reuse

Inertial sensors

Calibration optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical or aerospace engineering

Master's degree in electrical engineering or aerospace (preferred)

Tools

Analog to Digital Converters

Digital to Analog Converters

Data Acquisition systems

Job description

Cowboy Space Corp. is seeking a navigation sensor hardware lead to own the sensor suite for our launch vehicles and spacecraft. You will select, calibrate, qualify, and integrate inertial sensors and GNSS hardware while sharing components where feasible across vehicles.

This hands-on technical leadership role delivers reliable sensor hardware and calibrated performance to the vehicle and GNC teams, coordinating with suppliers and engineering partners from selection through integration.