Spacecraft Avionics Lead (will consider all senior levels) (Electronics Engineer)

Redwire Space; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

Redwire Space Missions in Littleton, CO is seeking a Spacecraft Avionics Lead to provide technical leadership and architecture for spacecraft command, telemetry, GNC, and onboard data handling across programs. You will serve as Responsible Engineer for avionics subsystems, drive ICDs and verification plans, perform data throughput and timing analysis, and mentor junior engineers.

The role requires a Bachelor's in EE/CE, 5+ years in avionics or embedded systems, experience with SpaceWire and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in spacecraft avionics or embedded systems development.
• Experience architecting, developing, and integrating avionics subsystem for space platforms.
• Experience developing specifications, ICDs, and other engineering artifacts for flight hardware.
• Experience analyzing data throughput, latency, timing and synchronization.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Responsible Engineer and technical lead for spacecraft avionics subsystem(s) across one or more programs.
• Conduct technical trade studies and define avionics architecture, including flight computers, GNC hardware, data buses, time distribution, payload processing, redundancy schemes, and interface definitions.
• Develop subsystem and unit-level requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), and verification plans aligned to system-level requirements.
• Perform data throughput, latency, and timing analysis.
• Support avionics hardware and software integration and test activities.
• Oversee selection, qualification, and acceptance of spacecraft avionics hardware.
• Support anomaly resolution during environmental testing and integrated test campaigns.
• Participate in and support design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, Launch Readiness).
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to Electrical Engineering best practices across programs.

Skills

Spacecraft avionics

Technical leadership

Requirements & ICDs

Data throughput analysis

Timing synchronization

Security clearance

Mentoring

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering

Master’s degree in EE/CE (preferred)

Tools

OpenVPX

SpaceVPX

VITA standards

SpaceWire

Job description

Summary

Redwire Space Missions has an exciting opportunity for a Spacecraft Avionics Lead (all senior levels) at our Littleton, CO facility. In this role, you'll be responsible for the technical leadership, architecture, and execution of spacecraft command and telemetry; guidance, navigation, and control (GNC); and onboard data handling and processing subsystem elements. This role serves as the Responsible Engineer for one or more Spacecraft Avionics subsystems, ensuring robust architecture, reliable onboard processing, deterministic data flow, and secure command and telemetry interfaces. You will work cross-functionally to ensure integrated subsystem performance from concept development through on-orbit operations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Responsible Engineer and technical lead for spacecraft avionics subsystem(s) across one or more programs.
• Conduct technical trade studies and define avionics architecture, including flight computers, GNC hardware, data buses, time distribution, payload processing, redundancy schemes, and interface definitions.
• Develop subsystem and unit-level requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), and verification plans aligned to system-level requirements.
• Perform data throughput, latency, and timing analysis.
• Support avionics hardware and software integration and test activities.
• Oversee selection, qualification, and acceptance of spacecraft avionics hardware.
• Support anomaly resolution during environmental testing and integrated test campaigns.
• Participate in and support design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, Launch Readiness).
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to Electrical Engineering best practices across programs.

Ideal Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in spacecraft avionics or embedded systems development.
• Experience architecting, developing, and integrating avionics subsystem for space platforms.
• Experience developing specifications, ICDs, and other engineering artifacts for flight hardware.
• Experience analyzing data throughput, latency, timing and synchronization.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance

Desired Skills

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.
• 8+ years supporting government or commercial space programs.
• Experience serving as a Responsible Engineer or in a technical lead role.
• Expert understanding of flight computers, data buses, time synchronization, and secure data flow.
• Experience with radiation-tolerant electronics and component selection for space environments.
• Experience developing modular avionics architectures across multiple missions and platforms.
• Expertise in spacecraft communication protocol functionality and implementation (e.g., SpaceWire, RS-422/485, CAN, Ethernet).
• Experience with the OpenVPX and/or SpaceVPX architectural framework and VITA standards.
• Expert understanding of microcontroller, microprocessor, FPGA, and GPU types; architectures, tradeoffs, and use-cases.
• Advanced knowledge of memory and storage technologies and solutions (e.g., DDR, MRAM, NOR, NAND, etc.).
• Advanced knowledge of networking (multi-layer routing and switching) and encryption architectures and solutions.
• Experience architecting, trading, and implementing mission payload processing solutions for various mission applications and orbital regimes.
• Hands-on experience with avionics unit and subsystem-level integration and test.
• Active DoD security clearance.
• Ability to travel - 15% travel may be required.

Grow with us as we innovate the next generation capabilities for a new era of space exploration! We offer a highly competitive benefits package along with a commitment to our core values of Integrity, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, and Excellence.

Don't meet every single requirement above? No worries. We want people who can grow, collaborate and build a stronger team.

We strive to build a diverse and inclusive culture.

Salary Range

$110,000 - $205,000/ year