Spacecraft PCB Design Engineer

Protingent; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Protingent is seeking a Spacecraft PCB Design Engineer for a direct hire in Los Angeles, CA. The role focuses on executing electrical PCB design, integration, and testing for spacecraft, with emphasis on reliability and testability.

ITAR considerations and potential DoD clearance may apply. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's or higher in electrical or aerospace engineering, 5+ years of hands-on aerospace experience, and strong PCB tool proficiency (Altium, KiCad, Eagle).

Qualifications

• 5+ years of core electrical engineering in aerospace with hands-on spacecraft hardware testing.
• Proficiency in PCB design software such as Altium, KiCad, Eagle.
• Experience with PCB debugging, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, soldering/rework, and ESD protocols.

Responsibilities

• Execute spacecraft electrical PCB design, integration and testing.
• Develop avionics subsystems and flatsat emulators with emphasis on reliability and testability.
• Create electrical integration and board bring-up procedures.
• Assist with electrical support equipment design, build and use.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate subsystems.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Document design processes, test results, and system performance.
• Provide training and technical guidance on spacecraft flight/testing configurations.

Skills

5+ years experience

PCB debugging

ESD/clean room

team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Electrical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Altium

KiCad

Eagle

Job description

Position Title: Spacecraft PCB Design Engineer

Protingent has an exciting direct hire opportunity for a Spacecraft PCB Design Engineer with our client in Los Angeles, CA.

Job Responsibilities

• Execute spacecraft electrical PCB design, integration, and testing.
• Execute the design and development of avionics subsystems and flatsat emulators for spacecraft designs with an emphasis on reliability and testability.
• Develop and execute electrical integration procedures and board bring up procedures.
• Assist with electrical support equipment design, build, and use.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate compute and power subsystems with other spacecraft subsystems.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Document design processes, test results, and system performance.
• Provide training and technical guidance on spacecraft flight and test configuration grounding to fellow engineers, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or similar field.
• 5+ years of core electrical engineering discipline experience in aerospace, with heavy emphasis on hands‑on spacecraft hardware testing and assembly.
• Proficiency in PCB design software such as Altium, Kicad, Eagle, etc.
• Demonstrated expertise in PCB debugging, using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and manual soldering/rework tools.
• Experience working in clean room environments and adhering to ESD protocols.
• Strong ability to collaborate effectively in a dynamic environment while maintaining a positive and professional attitude.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.

Desired Job Qualifications

• Experience designing electronics assemblies specifically for use in space applications.
• Experience with the NASA GEVS standard.
• Experience with IPC Class board assembly standards.
• Experience with EMI/EMC and magnetics analysis and testing.
• Experience designing and building wiring harnesses for EGSE and flight use.
• Experience integrating custom‑designed electronics into larger spacecraft systems.
• Experience designing and implementing grounding and shielding schemes at the spacecraft level.

Job Details

• Job Type: Direct Hire
• Location: Los Angeles, CA
• Salary Range: $130K-170K
• ITAR obligations are associated with this role, U.S. citizenship, U.S. legal permanent resident status, or protected person status under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a) (1), (3) is required.
• May be required to obtain and maintain a United States Department of Defense Top Secret security clearance