Lead Avionics Engineer - Spacecraft

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Lead Avionics Engineer Design and Deliver the Flight Avionics Powering Orbital-Scale Modular Spacecraft!
Denver, CO | Hybrid
Opportunity Summary
A stealth-mode space startup is developing intelligent, modular architectures that self-assemble in orbit, creating scalable platforms for future space infrastructure. Backed by leading venture firms and driven by a small, elite team, the company is seeking an Avionics Lead to architect and implement the embedded flight software and avionics stack across its novel spacecraft platform. In this hands-on technical role, you'll design microcontroller firmware, board-level electronics, and networking protocols to support power, sensor integration, electromagnetic actuation, and swarm communication. From breadboards to flight hardware, youll lead development on a system designed to fundamentally reshape how spacecraft operate and interconnect.
About Us
Were a venture-funded aerospace startup operating in stealth mode and headquartered in Denver. Our mission is to develop a new class of space systems that can assemble themselves in orbit to support commercial, civil, and defense missions. Our founding team includes experts in advanced hardware, autonomy, and space systems, and weve already begun prototyping our first flight systems. This is an opportunity to get in early and shape the core infrastructure of future orbital missions.
Job Duties
Design and implement board-level firmware to manage actuation, power budgets, and sensor fusion across networked modules
Develop and refine embedded communication protocols between modular spacecraft tiles and the satellite bus
Integrate commercial sensors (IMUs, magnetometers, voltage/current sensors) into a flight-ready architecture
Own the bring-up, test, and qualification of avionics systems from development boards through to spaceflight hardware
Lead architecture decisions across the embedded and avionics stack, balancing performance, reliability, and modularity
Interface closely with mechanical, power, and systems engineers to ensure seamless integration
Drive the roadmap for embedded systems from proof-of-concept to orbital deployment
Qualifications
BS or higher in Electrical, Computer Engineering, or related field
5+ years of experience in embedded systems and firmware development
Proficient in C/C++ in RTOS environments, with experience across STM32/ESP32 platforms
Familiarity with CAN, UART, SPI, I2C, and other common communication protocols
Hands-on experience with PCB bring-up, benchtop testing, and debugging tools
Strong understanding of power-aware design, sensor integration, and low-level board diagnostics
Experience
8+ years total experience in high-reliability or aerospace-grade hardware development
Background in signal conditioning, analog/mixed-signal design, or electro-mechanical interfacing
Familiarity with radiation-tolerant or space-qualified electronics
Experience working with FPGAs, microcontrollers, or modular embedded architectures
Leadership experience in multi-disciplinary engineering teams
Competency in Python or scripting for test automation and diagnostics
Experience with environmental testing (thermal vac, shock, vibration)
Why Join Us
Help shape a new class of in-space infrastructure from day one
Work alongside technical founders and world-class engineers
Fast-paced, mission-driven, and highly collaborative culture
Hands-on role with high ownership across the hardware stack
Equity options with meaningful ownership
Full health, dental, and vision coverage
Onsite prototyping and lab facilities
Opportunity to grow with a high-impact, stealth-stage startup
Compensation Details
$120,000 - $180,000 plus equity
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Location:
Denver, CO, United States
Category:
Architecture And Engineering Occupations

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