Space Avionics Engineer for Laser/Satellite Payloads

Socket.dev; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement savings plan

Paid time off

10 paid holidays per calendar year

Paid parental leave

Relocation assistance

Office lunch and snacks

Job summary

Cowboy Space Corp. in San Carlos, CA is seeking an Avionics Engineer to design, develop, and integrate electrical systems for high‑power laser satellite payloads.

You will work with cross‑functional teams to ensure space‑qualified performance on demanding space missions. You will design electrical hardware, develop schematics and PCB layouts, test systems, and document requirements and test plans while collaborating with optics, mechanical, software, and thermal engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 1–5 years in electrical design, preferably aerospace, satellite, or optical systems.
• Circuit simulation with LTspice; hands-on with lab equipment.
• Proficient CAD for electrical design (Altium/OrCAD).
• Familiar with control systems and sensor integration into optical platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design and test electrical hardware for laser/optical subsystems, focusing on power, control, and signal processing.
• Create and maintain schematics, PCB designs, and harness diagrams for laser systems.
• Test and validate electrical systems, integrating with detectors, sensors, and laser drivers.
• Debug electrical hardware and ensure robust operation in varying environments.
• Collaborate with optics, mechanical, and thermal engineers for system integration.
• Document system requirements, design specs, and test plans in detail.
• Support environmental testing (thermal-vacuum, vibration, EMI) for space qualification.
• Participate in reviews, offering technical insights for improvements.
• Stay updated on new technologies and improve lab processes.

Skills

Electrical design

Aerospace systems

Circuit simulation

Lab equipment

CAD tools

Control systems

Sensors integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

LTspice

Altium

OrCAD

Oscilloscopes

Job description

Cowboy Space Corp. in San Carlos, CA is seeking an Avionics Engineer to design, develop, and integrate electrical systems for high‑power laser satellite payloads.

You will work with cross‑functional teams to ensure space‑qualified performance on demanding space missions. You will design electrical hardware, develop schematics and PCB layouts, test systems, and document requirements and test plans while collaborating with optics, mechanical, software, and thermal engineers.