Spacecraft Payload Engineer- Embedded Systems

HawkEye 360; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Benefits package

Job summary

HawkEye 360 is seeking a curious, hands-on engineer to work directly with spacecraft hardware and software. You will configure payload hardware for spacecraft integration, run and troubleshoot software-driven tests, and support lab systems and flatsats for development through launch and on-orbit operations.

A strong foundation in Python and Linux is essential, with a hands-on problem-solving mindset and eagerness to learn new technologies in a hardware-rich environment.

Qualifications

• B.S. in EE/CE/CS or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of relevant engineering experience.
• Strong Python and Linux skills.
• Experience with embedded/electronic systems.
• Familiarity with CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, or Ethernet interfaces.
• Hands-on hardware troubleshooting and problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Configure and prepare payload hardware and software for spacecraft integration, including programming and flashing embedded devices.
• Run and troubleshoot software-driven tests on flight and lab hardware.
• Maintain and troubleshoot payload flatsats, GSE, and lab test setups.
• Investigate hardware and software issues using logs, telemetry, schematics, and lab equipment.
• Work across engineering teams to diagnose problems and drive them to resolution.
• Develop and improve test tools, automation, and lab capabilities as you learn the system.

Skills

Python

Linux

Embedded systems

CAN/SPI/I2C/UART/Ethernet

Troubleshooting

Hands-on hardware

C/C++

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering/Computer Science

Tools

Git

CI/CD

Embedded Linux

FPGA

Job description

The Space Software Team at HawkEye 360 is looking for a curious, hands-on engineer who wants to work directly with spacecraft hardware and software. You'll configure payload hardware for spacecraft integration, run and troubleshoot software-driven tests, and support the lab systems and flatsats we use to develop and validate our payloads. You'll work closely with Software, FPGA, Electrical, and AI&T engineers, giving you the opportunity to learn how the entire payload works from development through launch and on-orbit operations.

We're looking for someone with a strong foundation in Python and Linux who enjoys getting their hands on hardware, digging into problems, and learning new technologies.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Configure and prepare payload hardware and software for spacecraft integration, including programming and flashing embedded devices.
• Run and troubleshoot software-driven tests on flight and lab hardware.
• Maintain and troubleshoot payload flatsats, Ground Support Equipment (GSE), and lab test setups.
• Investigate hardware and software issues using logs, telemetry, schematics, and lab equipment.
• Work across engineering teams to diagnose problems and drive them to resolution.
• Develop and improve test tools, automation, and lab capabilities as you learn the system.

Skills and Qualifications:

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of relevant engineering experience.
• Strong working knowledge of Python and Linux.
• Experience working with electronic or embedded systems.
• Familiarity with electrical schematics and hardware interfaces such as CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, or Ethernet.
• Strong troubleshooting skills, curiosity, and a desire to work hands-on with hardware.

Desirable:

• C/C++ experience.
• Experience with lab equipment, automated testing, or hardware-in-the-loop systems.
• Experience with embedded Linux, SDR/RF, or FPGA-based systems.
• Soldering, cabling, or electronics rework experience.
• Git and CI/CD experience.Spacecraft or satellite operations experience.

We offer a compensation package that includes a competitive base salary plus annual performance bonus and benefits. We consider many factors when determining salary offers, such as candidate's work experience, education, training & skills, as well as market and business considerations. We are also open to considering candidates with experience and qualifications at a different level than required in a job posting, which may affect the compensation package offered.

Salary Range

$70,000 — $115,000 USD

Company Overview:

HawkEye 360 is equipping defense, intelligence, and national security leaders with mission-critical signals intelligence to enable faster, better decision making. By detecting, geolocating, and characterizing radio frequency emissions worldwide, HawkEye 360 delivers trusted domain awareness and early warning indicators to the US Government and allied partners. Our space-based collection, proprietary signal processing, and AI-powered analytics transform knowledge of RF spectrum into a strategic advantage. Proven by operational mission success, HawkEye 360 is redefining how signals intelligence strengthens national and global security.

HawkEye 360 is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.