Senior Spacecraft Engineer Seen this week
About Cowboy Space
Cowboy Space is building infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and transmit energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), power on-orbit compute, and deliver secure, high-bandwidth optical data.
The Role
You will design, build, and integrate core systems that power our satellite platform. You will work across spacecraft subsystems including structures, power, thermal, and avionics to develop reliable, high-performance systems for the space environment. This role offers quick ownership and close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams spanning software, electrical, optical, and mechanical engineering.
What You Will Do
- Design, develop, and integrate spacecraft subsystems including structures, power, thermal, and avionics
- Own components of the spacecraft architecture from early design through integration and test
- Perform system-level trade studies to optimize performance, mass, power, and reliability
- Support development of spacecraft layouts, CAD models, and system schematics
- Plan and execute integration and test campaigns, including subsystem and full vehicle testing
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, including requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), and test plans
- Collaborate cross-functionally with software, electrical, optical, and GNC teams to ensure system-level performance
- Support environmental testing and validation, including thermal-vacuum, vibration, and EMI/EMC testing
- Participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR) and contribute to system-level decision making
Basic Qualifications
- 3-5 years of experience in spacecraft, aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering (internships and relevant projects count)
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
- Experience with spacecraft subsystems (structures, power, thermal, avionics, or similar)
- Familiarity with design tools in your field
- Exposure to one or more of: spacecraft design or satellite systems, hardware integration and testing, thermal or structural analysis, embedded or avionics systems
- Strong fundamentals in engineering analysis, system design, and problem-solving
- Eagerness to learn and operate in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working on spacecraft or aerospace vehicle development programs (internship, academic, or industry)
- Hands-on experience with hardware integration, assembly, and testing
- Familiarity with environmental testing (thermal-vacuum, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC)
- Experience performing trade studies and system-level optimization
- Exposure to power systems, thermal systems, or structural analysis in aerospace applications
- Familiarity with GNC systems, orbital mechanics, or mission design considerations
- Experience with CAD, FEA, or thermal modeling tools (e.g., ANSYS, Thermal Desktop)
- Experience working on high-reliability or safety-critical systems with strong validation practices
- Demonstrated ability to take ownership of complex engineering problems from concept through testing
- Prior experience at a space, aerospace, or deep tech organization
- Strong interest in space systems, energy infrastructure, and building novel orbital capabilities
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary: $150,000 - $200,000 annually (based on skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity)
- Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement savings plan
- Paid time off
- 10 paid holidays per calendar year
- Paid parental leave
- Relocation assistance if applicable
- Daily lunch in the office and fully stocked kitchen
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.