Principal Avionics Architect – Satellite Systems

Pulse Space; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Pulse Space seeks a Principal Avionics Architect to lead the architecture and development of next-generation satellite avionics. You will define end-to-end systems, including compute, power, communications, and PCBA, guiding cross-functional teams from concept to flight-ready hardware in a dynamic, space-focused environment.

You will mentor engineers, drive system-level trade studies, ensure mission objectives are met, and collaborate with mechanical, thermal, software, and payload groups to

Qualifications

• MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of avionics design experience in aerospace or satellite systems.
• Expertise in satellite compute systems, programmable logic, power systems, and PCBA design.
• Experience leading complex systems engineering efforts and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Architect next-generation satellite avionics systems from the ground up, including compute, programmable logic, power, communications, and interface subsystems.
• Define compute system architecture, including processors, memory, redundancy strategies, and programmable logic interfaces.
• Lead project development from requirements definition through PDR, CDR, product design, and flight qualification.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a team of avionics engineers, fostering technical excellence and innovation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including mechanical, thermal, software, and payload engineering to deliver integrated satellite solutions.

Skills

Systems engineering

Leadership

Architecture design

EE/SW interface

Multi-disciplinary teamwork

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

PhD in Electrical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

PCB design tools (Cadence/Altium)

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Avionics Architect to lead the architecture and development of next‑generation satellite avionics systems. This role is responsible for defining end‑to‑end avionics architectures, including compute systems, programmable logic, power management, communications, and PCBA design, ensuring robust, high-performance operation in space environments. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise, systems‑level thinking, and leadership capabilities, guiding multi-disciplinary teams from concept through flight‑ready hardware. This is an opportunity to work in a dynamic, flexible environment, collaborating with highly skilled engineers who thrive on pushing the boundaries of satellite technology. Our mission is to enable human space exploration and extend humanity's reach beyond our planet, while developing technologies that improve life on Earth.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect next-generation satellite avionics systems from the ground up, including compute, programmable logic, power, communications, and interface subsystems.
• Define compute system architecture, including processors, memory, redundancy strategies, and programmable logic interfaces.
• Design power distribution systems, battery management, and solar array control, ensuring efficient, reliable energy utilization.
• Define communications protocols and interfaces across satellite subsystems and with ground stations.
• Define PCBA stack-ups and material selection, ensuring thermal, mechanical, and electrical performance for space environments.
• Master schematic entry, electronic circuit design, and PCB layout practices; work closely with PCB layout engineers throughout the design cycle.
• Collaborate with embedded software engineers to define EE/SW interface requirements for reliable system integration.
• Conduct system-level trade studies, simulations, and reliability analyses to optimize performance, mass, and power budgets.
• Develop and maintain system and subsystem requirements, ensuring alignment with mission objectives and spacecraft constraints.
• Lead project development from requirements definition through PDR, CDR, product design, and flight qualification.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a team of avionics engineers, fostering technical excellence and innovation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including mechanical, thermal, software, and payload engineering to deliver integrated satellite solutions.

Basic Qualifications

• MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in avionics design for aerospace or satellite systems.
• Proven expertise in satellite compute systems, programmable logic, power systems, battery/solar management, communications interfaces, and PCBA design.
• Mastery of schematic entry, electronic circuit design, and PCBA layout, including partnering with layout engineers throughout the design cycle.
• Experience defining EE/SW interface requirements and collaborating with embedded software engineers.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex systems engineering efforts and multi-disciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in satellite avionics design and architecture.
• Expertise in radiation-hardened electronics, fault‑tolerant systems, and high‑reliability space hardware.
• Experience with modern spacecraft bus architectures, high-performance processors, and advanced power management.
• Familiarity with spaceflight standards, qualification processes, and mission assurance.
• Experience mentoring engineers and leading high-performance, collaborative teams.
• Experience with advanced PCB materials, stack-ups, and thermal/mechanical optimization.

Competencies

• Systems-level thinking and architecture-level decision-making.
• Deep understanding of avionics hardware, software integration, and spacecraft operations.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and mentorship skills.
• Passion for space exploration and developing technologies that advance human knowledge and life on Earth.