Technical Program Manager, Avionics Verified today

About Cowboy Space

Cowboy Space is building orbital infrastructure to power and connect the space economy. We operate Low Earth Orbit satellites that collect sunlight and enable space-to-earth and space-to-space energy transmission via infrared lasers, on-orbit compute, and secure optical data delivery. Founded in 2024 and backed by leading investors, we move quickly to solve complex technical challenges in space infrastructure.

The Role

You will be the technical anchor for our next-generation avionics hardware development. You bridge complex engineering realities and tight mission milestones, acting as the central connection between Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Quality teams.

Responsibilities

• Translate spacecraft avionics requirements into executable hardware development plans; break complex systems into trackable work packages and manage execution through Jira or similar tools
• Develop, maintain, and own the integrated hardware development schedule covering schematic capture, PCB layout, prototyping, bring-up, qualification, flight certification, and launch readiness
• Drive milestone execution through agile or phase-gated methodologies; monitor dependencies, identify critical path risks, and proactively mitigate schedule impacts
• Lead cross-functional execution across Hardware Engineering, Embedded Software, FPGA, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Integration and Test, and Quality
• Facilitate Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Test (DFT) reviews; support production test development and manufacturing readiness
• Own hardware program risk management: maintain risk register, resolve technical blockers, manage material shortages, and drive Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), Material Review Boards (MRBs), and configuration control
• Partner with Supply Chain on vendor selection, PCB fabrication, PCBA partners, long-lead component procurement, prototype builds, first-article inspections, and production transition
• Own product lifecycle management (PLM): Bills of Materials (BOMs), Approved Manufacturer Lists (AMLs), part numbering, release management, and design documentation
• Drive hardware quality and reliability through EMC/EMI compliance, signal integrity, power integrity, environmental qualification, and reliability analysis
• Support spacecraft integration, environmental testing, launch campaigns, and on-orbit anomaly investigation
• Contribute to avionics system architecture, technical strategy, and engineering decision-making

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline
• 3-5+ years leading complex hardware development programs in aerospace, defense, automotive, or other high-reliability industries
• Strong understanding of end-to-end hardware development lifecycle: PCB design and fabrication, prototype builds, qualification testing, manufacturing, and production
• Technical literacy across electrical engineering workflows, embedded hardware development, environmental qualification (thermal, vibration, EMI/EMC), and hardware integration
• Experience managing cross-functional engineering teams across Hardware, Embedded Software, FPGA, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Integration and Test
• Proficiency with project management tools such as Jira, Microsoft Project, or Smartsheet, and PLM systems such as Arena, Windchill, or Agile PLM
• Excellent organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills in fast-paced, highly technical environments
• Proven ability to identify program risks, manage competing priorities, and deliver complex hardware milestones on schedule

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience as a hardware design or test engineer on flight computers, power distribution units (PDUs), or RF/telemetry systems
• Familiarity with aerospace regulatory standards: DO-254, DO-160, IPC-A-610 Class 3, or NASA/ECSS standards
• Proven track record of influencing cross-functional teams without direct authority

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $145,000 to $220,000 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 Requirement

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.