Logo
Approach Venture

Lead Avionics Engineer - Spacecraft

Approach Venture, Denver, Colorado, United States, 80285

Save Job

20 hours ago Be among the first 25 applicants Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. Direct message the job poster from Approach Venture Approach Venture | Advancing Frontier Tech with Top Talent

Lead Avionics Engineer – Design and Deliver the Flight Avionics Powering Orbital-Scale Modular Spacecraft! Opportunity Summary A stealth-mode space startup is developing intelligent, modular architectures that self-assemble in orbit, creating scalable platforms for future space infrastructure. Backed by leading venture firms and driven by a small, elite team, the company is seeking an Avionics Lead to architect and implement the embedded flight software and avionics stack across its novel spacecraft platform. In this hands-on technical role, you'll design microcontroller firmware, board-level electronics, and networking protocols to support power, sensor integration, electromagnetic actuation, and swarm communication. From breadboards to flight hardware, you’ll lead development on a system designed to fundamentally reshape how spacecraft operate and interconnect. About Us We’re a venture-funded aerospace startup operating in stealth mode and headquartered in Denver. Our mission is to develop a new class of space systems that can assemble themselves in orbit to support commercial, civil, and defense missions. Our founding team includes experts in advanced hardware, autonomy, and space systems, and we’ve already begun prototyping our first flight systems. This is an opportunity to get in early and shape the core infrastructure of future orbital missions. Job Duties Design and implement board-level firmware to manage actuation, power budgets, and sensor fusion across networked modules Develop and refine embedded communication protocols between modular spacecraft tiles and the satellite bus Integrate commercial sensors (IMUs, magnetometers, voltage/current sensors) into a flight-ready architecture Own the bring-up, test, and qualification of avionics systems from development boards through to spaceflight hardware Lead architecture decisions across the embedded and avionics stack, balancing performance, reliability, and modularity Interface closely with mechanical, power, and systems engineers to ensure seamless integration Drive the roadmap for embedded systems from proof-of-concept to orbital deployment Qualifications BS or higher in Electrical, Computer Engineering, or related field 5+ years of experience in embedded systems and firmware development Proficient in C/C++ in RTOS environments, with experience across STM32/ESP32 platforms Familiarity with CAN, UART, SPI, I2C, and other common communication protocols Hands-on experience with PCB bring-up, benchtop testing, and debugging tools Strong understanding of power-aware design, sensor integration, and low-level board diagnostics Preferred Experience 8+ years total experience in high-reliability or aerospace-grade hardware development Background in signal conditioning, analog/mixed-signal design, or electro-mechanical interfacing Familiarity with radiation-tolerant or space-qualified electronics Experience working with FPGAs, microcontrollers, or modular embedded architectures Leadership experience in multi-disciplinary engineering teams Competency in Python or scripting for test automation and diagnostics Experience with environmental testing (thermal vac, shock, vibration) Why Join Us Help shape a new class of in-space infrastructure from day one Work alongside technical founders and world-class engineers Fast-paced, mission-driven, and highly collaborative culture Hands-on role with high ownership across the hardware stack Equity options with meaningful ownership Full health, dental, and vision coverage Onsite prototyping and lab facilities Opportunity to grow with a high-impact, stealth-stage startup Seniority level

Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type

Employment type Full-time Job function

Job function Engineering and Information Technology Industries Defense and Space Manufacturing, Space Research and Technology, and Software Development Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Approach Venture by 2x Inferred from the description for this job

Medical insurance Vision insurance Get notified when a new job is posted. Sign in to set job alerts for “Avionics Engineer” roles.

Greenwood Village, CO $55,000.00-$75,000.00 2 days ago PRINCIPAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEER-POWER SYSTEMS

Greenwood Village, CO $150,000.00-$180,000.00 5 days ago Entry Level Electrical Designer/Engineer

Lakewood, CO $73,000.00-$96,000.00 7 months ago Denver, CO $120,000.00-$160,000.00 2 weeks ago Centennial, CO $85,000.00-$186,000.00 1 month ago Denver, CO $80,000.00-$110,000.00 2 months ago Denver, CO $120,000.00-$225,000.00 5 days ago Electrical Engineer - Hybrid! (Jr to PE level needed)

Denver, CO $100,000.00-$150,000.00 4 days ago Boulder, CO $140,000.00-$170,000.00 6 days ago Denver, CO $110,000.00-$140,000.00 2 months ago Englewood, CO $90,000.00-$115,000.00 1 month ago Denver, CO $90,000.00-$130,000.00 4 weeks ago Denver, CO $73,000.00-$96,000.00 5 days ago Denver, CO $65,000.00-$80,000.00 4 months ago Denver, CO $65,000.00-$85,000.00 3 days ago Louisville, CO $130,000.00-$160,000.00 15 hours ago Renewable Energy Interconnection Engineer

Denver, CO $75,000.00-$100,000.00 1 month ago Louisville, CO $180,000.00-$230,000.00 1 month ago Denver, CO $72,150.00-$130,425.00 2 months ago We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.

#J-18808-Ljbffr