Logo
ZipRecruiter

Senior Electrical Engineer - Spacecraft Power Supply

ZipRecruiter, San Francisco, California, United States, 94199

Save Job

Job Description

Electrical Engineer Own the Design of Scalable Spacecraft Power Systems!

San Francisco, CA | Onsite

Opportunity Summary A well-funded early-stage space company is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to take the lead on developing and delivering flight-ready power subsystems for next- spacecraft platforms. In this role, youll be responsible for architecting and validating robust power electronics, including DC-DC converters, power distribution units, and energy storage systems, that serve as the electrical core of scalable orbital infrastructure. This is a rare opportunity to step in early, contribute to hardware that's already flying with real customers, and influence spacecraft power systems from first principles through production. Youll join a nimble, fast-growing team thats tackling the complexities of building space systems at scale. Our current work spans both commercial and government contracts, with a strong emphasis on modularity, reliability, and manufacturability. If youre looking for a high-impact role that blends deep technical ownership with hands-on engineering, this is your chance to shape the future of power systems in orbit.

About Us Were designing a fundamentally new spacecraft architecture aimed at simplifying how satellites are built, deployed, and operated. Our compact, modular platform reimagines traditional bus systems, integrating power, control, and communications into a streamlined form factor built for mass production. With a growing portfolio of security and commercial customers, and an experienced founding team drawn from top aerospace and technology companies, we are committed to solving the biggest bottlenecks in scalable space access, starting with intelligent, reliable power.

Job Duties

Lead the design and validation of spacecraft power subsystems including isolated/non-isolated DC-DC converters, power regulation networks, and distribution units

Own development of battery systems, including charge control, protection circuitry, and health monitoring

Implement MPPT (maximum power point tracking) techniques for solar array optimization

Create detailed schematics and multilayer PCB layouts using Altium or similar ECAD tools

Support bring-up, integration, and qualification of flight hardware including environmental and functional testing

Drive analysis of power budgets, efficiency trade-offs, and system-level energy strategies

Collaborate closely with avionics, mechanical, and embedded software teams to ensure seamless power delivery across subsystems

Apply design standards for space-readiness including thermal limits, launch vibration, and radiation tolerance

Qualifications

BS or MS in Electrical Engineering or related technical field

3+ years of hands-on experience designing and testing power electronics or embedded power systems

Solid foundation in analog design, switch-mode power supplies (SMPS), and energy storage technologies

Familiarity with simulation tools (LTspice, PLECS, etc.) and ECAD platforms (Altium, KiCAD, etc.)

Demonstrated ability to debug board-level issues and support system integration

Understanding of power reliability in harsh environments including thermal extremes and radiation

Comfortable operating independently in a fast-moving, mission-driven hardware environment

Experience

Previous design experience with flight-ready power systems for CubeSats, microsats, or space-rated electronics

Experience working with modular spacecraft platforms or scalable satellite bus architectures

Familiarity with lithium-ion battery chemistries and space-based charge control profiles

Exposure to government, dual-use, or security-focused space programs

Prior work in early-stage startups with small, agile engineering teams

Why Join Us

Lead development of core flight hardware from day one

Help shape the electrical and systems architecture of a new spacecraft platform

Collaborate with experienced engineers solving some of space's hardest problems

Opportunity to grow with a high-upside pre-seed startup already working with active customers

Equity in a growing space venture

Strong PTO policy

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Flexible and collaborative work environment

Compensation Details $120,000 - $150,000 plus equity

#J-18808-Ljbffr