Head of Avionics

The role

The Head of Avionics will lead the design, development, and integration of avionics systems across spacecraft platforms. This role owns the architecture and execution of flight computers and critical interfaces for control, communication, and power management.

What you will do

• Define the technical vision and roadmap for avionics across spacecraft platforms
• Own system architecture across avionics, hardware interfaces, and system integration
• Lead the design and development of avionics systems, peripheral interfaces, EMI/EMC, embedded architecture, and rapid integrated testing infrastructure
• Build and lead a team of avionics engineers
• Ensure robust communication across subsystems and subsystem leads
• Drive end-to-end development from concept through design, integration, validation, and flight readiness
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other spacecraft teams
• Establish testing, validation, and qualification strategies for avionics systems
• Optimize systems for performance within constraints of power, thermal, and radiation environments
• Guide component selection, vendor partnerships, and manufacturing processes

Required qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in avionics engineering
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• Experience designing and shipping embedded or avionics systems in production environments
• Strong background in one or more of the following: Real-time operating systems (RTOS), Microcontrollers, SoCs, or FPGA-based systems, Hardware/software integration
• Experience leading technical projects or engineering teams with increasing scope and ownership

Nice to have

• Designed, built, and flown (or deployed) avionics or embedded systems for spacecraft or other mission-critical systems
• Deep understanding of radiation effects (SEE, TID) and have implemented mitigation strategies at the system and component level
• Designed systems under aggressive SWaP constraints
• Hands-on experience bringing up and debugging hardware and embedded systems using common interfaces (SPI, I2C, CAN, UART, Ethernet, SpaceWire)
• Built and operated telemetry, command, and data handling (C&DH) systems in production or flight environments
• Developed and used HITL, simulation, and automated test systems to validate hardware and software
• Built systems requiring deterministic, real-time performance in safety-critical environments
• Owned systems end-to-end—from architecture through bring-up, integration, test, and deployment
• Built and led high-performing teams that execute quickly and deliver hardware on tight timelines
• Worked closely with GNC, RF, power, and other spacecraft teams to deliver fully integrated flight systems

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 the office
• Fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

Before you apply

• 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 the required authorizations from the U.S. Depar

About the company

Cowboy Space Corporation is building the infrastructure for abundant, resilient space-based solar energy. The company is based in San Carlos, CA.