Senior Avionics Engineer

Inversion Space Company; Vista, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 137,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

Inversion is an aerospace and defense company pushing the boundaries of reentry technology from its Los Angeles-based facilities. The Senior Avionics Engineer will shape the avionics architecture for next-generation vehicles and lead hardware builds across the full lifecycle, collaborating with propulsion, guidance, thermal, and software teams.

You will design complete avionics systems, perform rigorous verification, and drive environmental qualification while coordinating with suppliers and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Typically, 5+ years of professional experience in the design, build, and test cycle for satellite and spacecraft flight computer hardware
• Proficiency executing thorough mixed-signal and digital circuit simulations
• Demonstrated ability designing PCBAs using Altium Designer or other board design software
• Hands-on work implementing mixed-signal PCBs with digital communications (UART, I2C, SPI, RS422, RS485, CAN, PCIe, Ethernet, etc.)
• Background in fault-tolerant and failover-capable electronics design
• Proven ability designing test systems and developing test plans for multidisciplinary systems
• Strong understanding of requirements, systems design, and test methods for space, launch, and/or reentry environments including thermal, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC, and radiation
• Proficient using common laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, spectrum analyzers, and data acquisition systems
• Proven track record of delivering high-visibility designs resulting from rigorous methodology
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop complete avionics systems, including architecture, design, integration, and verification, from initial concept through delivery of qualified hardware
• Lead the technical execution of avionics hardware builds, including PCB design, harnessing, embedded systems, and environmental qualification
• Collaborate with propulsion, guidance and control, thermal and software teams to ensure seamless integration and performance of avionics systems
• Develop, lead, and own digital, analog, and mixed-signal circuit board designs
• Implement robust design and test processes that ensure reliability and safety of your designs
• Qualify your designs through environmental testing including vibration, shock, TCYC, and TVAC testing
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to manage component selection, testing, and delivery schedules
• Lead and present trade studies to shape the architecture and design
• Maintain accurate design documentation, test plans, and reports, demonstrating strong communication and organizational skills
• Contribute to flight software architecture design

Skills

Mixed-signal design

Digital circuit simulations

PCB design

Test and verification

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

Oscilloscopes

Multimeters

Power supplies

Spectrum analyzers

Data acquisition systems

Job description

Inversion is an aerospace and defense company pioneering advanced reentry technology to enable next-generation capabilities from space. By combining high-performance materials, precision aerodynamics, and mission-driven autonomy, Inversion is transforming reentry into an operational capability for an entirely new class of missions.

The company’s highly maneuverable reentry spacecraft, Arc, is designed for rapid global cargo delivery, hypersonic testing, and other national security missions that require precise, controlled flight through the atmosphere. Arc creates an entirely new transportation domain, unlocking unprecedented speed and global reach.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Inversion designs, manufactures, and integrates its spacecraft under one roof, enabling the company to move rapidly from concept to flight. The company is backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, with customers across the U.S. government and commercial space industry.

What You'll Do:

As a Senior Avionics Engineer, you will be personally responsible for the architecture and implementation of the core avionics elements for Inversion's next-generation vehicles. This position requires a highly motivated engineer who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can execute with autonomy. You will help define the foundation of Inversion's avionics architecture while setting the technical standards for future team growth.

You will be a key member of the Avionics team, reporting directly to theEngineering Manager, Avionics. Our engineers are responsible for the complete lifecycle of the hardware they create, including development, testing, and integration.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop complete avionics systems, including architecture, design, integration, and verification, from initial concept through delivery of qualified hardware
• Lead the technical execution of avionics hardware builds, including PCB design, harnessing, embedded systems, and environmental qualification
• Collaborate with propulsion, guidance and control, thermal and software teams to ensure seamless integration and performance of avionics systems
• Develop, lead, and own digital, analog, and mixed-signal circuit board designs
• Implement robust design and test processes that ensure reliability and safety of your designs
• Qualify your designs through environmental testing including vibration, shock, TCYC, and TVAC testing
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to manage component selection, testing, and delivery schedules
• Lead and present trade studies to shape the architecture and design
• Maintain accurate design documentation, test plans, and reports, demonstrating strong communication and organizational skills
• Contribute to flight software architecture design

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• Typically, 5+ years of professional experience in the design, build, and test cycle for satellite and spacecraft flight computer hardware
• Proficiency executing thorough mixed-signal and digital circuit simulations
• Demonstrated ability designing PCBAs using Altium Designer or other board design software
• Hands-on work implementing mixed-signal PCBs with digital communications (UART, I2C, SPI, RS422, RS485, CAN, PCIe, Ethernet, etc.)
• Background in fault-tolerant and failover-capable electronics design
• Proven ability designing test systems and developing test plans for multidisciplinary systems
• Strong understanding of requirements, systems design, and test methods for space, launch, and/or reentry environments including thermal, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC, and radiation
• Proficient using common laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, spectrum analyzers, and data acquisition systems
• Proven track record of delivering high-visibility designs resulting from rigorous methodology
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance.

Desired Qualifications:

• Background in high-reliability and/or safety-critical systems for spacecraft or automotive applications
• Knowledge of radiation-hardened or rad-tolerant system design
• Demonstrated ability implementing advanced microprocessors and support structures, including DRAM, power distribution, NAND flash, and other peripherals
• Understanding of unique design requirements for long-duration orbital missions
• Knowledge of common spacecraft ADCS sensors and propulsion components (star trackers, reaction wheels, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), pressure transducers, solenoid valves, etc.)
• Experience with video system development and integration
• Proficiency with software and scripting languages such as C/C++, Python, or Rust
• Proficiency with RTL languages such as VHDL or Verilog
• Prior work in startups and small independent teams

Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in-office presence.

The California annual base salary for this role is currently $137,000-$193,000. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you 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. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Inversion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

Inversion collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a US Job Applicant see the CCPA Privacy Policy Notice for further details.

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For government reporting