Senior Avionics Engineer

Background

Cowboy Space Corporation is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our modular, scalable satellites collect sunlight in Low Earth Orbit to enable multiple integrated applications: transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit high-performance computing clusters (GPU/TPU), and providing secure, high bandwidth optical data transport.

Current energy and data systems rely on complex logistics and outdated infrastructure. Cowboy Space Corporation overcomes these challenges by enabling direct, on-demand, secure, and scalable energy distribution and data processing from space. This will revolutionize how we operate in orbit and on Earth, supporting the rapidly expanding space industrial base, ISAM (In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing) operations, remote regions, and military bases.

Baiju Bhatt founded Cowboy Space Corporation in 2024. Inspired by his father’s work with NASA Langley Research Center, Baiju earned his B.S. in Physics and M.S. in Mathematics at Stanford before co-founding Robinhood, now a public company that has helped over 20 million Americans access the financial system. Cowboy Space Corporation has raised ~$365 million from Index Ventures, Interlagos, Construct Ventures, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz, NEA, and others.

This is an ambitious mission that demands extraordinary talent. Cowboy Space Corporation’s team has worked at places like SpaceX, Blue Origin, Stoke Space, Astranis and NASA, and is based in San Carlos, CA. If you're ready to solve complex technical challenges and help build the most important energy company in the world, we want to hear from you.

About the Role

The Senior Avionics Engineer role is responsible for the design, development, and integration of electrical systems supporting advanced data center satellites. You will collaborate with software, mechanical, solar, and propulsion engineers to develop solutions that meet rigorous performance standards for space applications.

Responsibilities

• Design and test electrical hardware for satellite 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.
• Perform testing and debugging of electrical hardware, ensuring robust operation under various environmental conditions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (software, 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 to ensure space-qualification of electrical subsystems.
• Participate in customer and internal design reviews, providing technical insights and recommendations for system improvements.
• Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and industry trends, and continuously improve the design and development process in the electrical engineering lab.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in electrical design, preferably in aerospace, satellite, or computing systems.
• Circuit simulation and analysis experience using tools such as LTspice and spreadsheets.
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, and soldering stations.
• 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

• Masters degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience with accelerated computing systems
• Familiarity with space qualification standards and environmental testing for aerospace applications (thermal-vacuum, vibration, radiation).
• Experience working with cross-functional engineering teams, particularly with thermal and mechanical disciplines.
• Understanding of satellite electrical systems and power distribution for space applications.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $150,000 - $200,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
• Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in 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 a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirements

• Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 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. Department of State.