Avionics Engineer Seen this week
About Cowboy Space Corp.
Cowboy Space Corp is building space-based solar energy infrastructure. Aetherflux transforms how civilization powers, computes, and connects from orbit to Earth.
The Role
You will design, develop, and integrate electrical systems for advanced optical and laser satellite payloads. This is hands-on work with electrical and optical components, ensuring high-power laser systems and payloads function seamlessly for Aetherflux satellites. You'll collaborate with optical, mechanical, software, and systems engineers to meet rigorous space-application performance standards.
This is an in-person role at our San Carlos, CA headquarters. You will join an aggressive timeline and see your work in space during our first demonstration in summer 2026.
Responsibilities
- Design and test electrical hardware for laser and optical subsystems, focusing on power management, control systems, and signal processing.
- Develop and maintain schematics, PCB designs, and harness diagrams for laser systems and satellite subsystems.
- Conduct testing and validation of electrical systems, including integration with optical components such as detectors, sensors, and laser drivers.
- Perform testing and debugging of electrical hardware under various environmental conditions.
- Collaborate with optics, mechanical, and thermal engineers to ensure seamless integration and system-level functionality.
- Maintain detailed technical documentation, including system requirements, design specifications, and test plans.
- Support environmental testing and validation, including thermal-vacuum, vibration, and electromagnetic interference tests for space-qualification.
- Participate in customer and internal design reviews, providing technical insights and recommendations.
- Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends to improve electrical engineering design and development processes.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
- 1-5 years of experience in electrical design, preferably in aerospace, satellite, or optical systems.
- Circuit simulation and analysis experience using tools such as LTspice and spreadsheets.
- Hands-on experience with lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, soldering stations, and laser drivers.
- Strong troubleshooting skills and experience debugging electrical systems in lab environments.
- Proficiency with CAD tools for electrical design (e.g., Altium, OrCAD).
- Familiarity with control systems, sensors, and their integration into optical platforms.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
- Experience with high-power laser systems, including design, integration, and testing of laser control systems.
- Familiarity with space qualification standards and environmental testing for aerospace applications (thermal-vacuum, vibration, radiation).
- Experience working with cross-functional engineering teams, particularly in optical and mechanical disciplines.
- Knowledge of embedded systems and firmware development for optical and electrical system control.
- Understanding of satellite electrical systems and power distribution for space applications.
Compensation
Salary: $110,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
Benefits
- Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents.
- 401(k) retirement savings plan.
- Paid time off.
- 10 paid holidays per calendar year.
- Paid parental leave.
- Relocation assistance if applicable.
- Daily lunch in office and fully stocked kitchen.
ITAR Requirements
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorization from the U.S. Department of State.