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Kapta Space

Electrical Engineer – Spaceborne Radar Systems

Kapta Space, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127

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Overview Kapta Space, a VC‑funded early‑stage startup in Seattle, WA, is breaking new ground in Geospatial Intelligence. Our technology centers around a proven, scalable electronically‑steered radar for sophisticated spaceborne applications such as earth observation using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) techniques, and for advanced defense missions

target tracking

on the ground and in the air.

As an

Electrical Engineer , you will design, develop, qualify, and deploy the electronic subsystems that power our spaceborne electronically‑steered radar systems. You will contribute to mission‑critical hardware across power electronics, high‑speed digital and mixed‑signal electronics, RF front‑ends, and embedded processing hardware. You will help take products from concept through flight, collaborating across disciplines to deliver high‑performance and highly reliable hardware for harsh LEO environments.

Responsibilities

Support the definition, design, and implementation of electrical subsystem architectures for electronically‑steered radar, including power systems, mixed‑signal electronics, digital control boards, RF front‑end interfaces, and embedded processing circuitry

Execute full product lifecycle activities: requirements development, detailed design, schematic capture, PCB layout collaboration, prototype build, bring‑up, debug, and qualification

Perform hands‑on bench testing, characterization, and root‑cause analysis across power, digital, and mixed‑signal circuits, using standard lab instrumentation

Develop and execute environmental and functional test plans to ensure hardware reliability in thermal‑vacuum, vibration/shock, EMI/EMC, and radiation environments

Create and maintain engineering documentation including schematics, BOMs, test procedures, configuration records, and integration guides

Collaborate closely with systems engineering, RF/antenna, mechanical/thermal, software/firmware, and manufacturing partners to ensure seamless integration and robust hardware‑software performance

Support manufacturability and cost‑efficient production through DFX principles and NPI handoff to production partners

Engage with suppliers, fabrication partners, and subcontractors throughout the product development lifecycle

Required Qualifications

BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline

5+ years of hands‑on experience designing, building, and testing electronic systems (power electronics, mixed‑signal, digital, or RF‑adjacent)

Proficiency with schematic design tools and familiarity with PCB layout workflows

Strong understanding of EMI/EMC fundamentals, grounding, signal integrity, power integrity, and high‑reliability design practices

Experience performing bench‑level bring‑up and debug using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power supplies, signal generators, and related equipment

Demonstrated ability to support hardware through environmental qualification (thermal, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC, TVAC, etc.) or willingness to learn quickly

Ability to work cross‑functionally on multi‑disciplinary hardware teams in a fast‑moving startup environment

Excellent communication skills, with ability to clearly present technical findings and collaborate effectively across engineering functions

Must be eligible to obtain and hold a US DoD security clearance

Bonus

Experience with electronically‑steered or phased‑array radar systems, mixed‑signal analog front ends, or RF/antenna electronics

Familiarity with radiation‑tolerant design, COTS‑to‑space conversion strategies, and component‑level derating approaches for LEO environments

Experience with high‑speed digital design, DDR interfaces, FPGA/SoC power architectures, or precision timing/synchronization circuitry

Familiarity with modeling and simulation tools for signal integrity, power integrity, RF, or thermal/structural analysis

Experience qualifying hardware for space, defense, or other high‑reliability environments

Exposure to manufacturing scaling, DFM for electronics, or lean hardware development practices

Experience coordinating with global suppliers, electronics manufacturers, and specialized test facilities

Legal & Security Requirements U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, Or Refugee/Asylee Status Required To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Kapta Employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful U.S. permanent residents (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or Commerce as applicable.

Diversity & Inclusion Kapta Space is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe that diversity drives innovation, strengthens our team, and broadens our capabilities. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.

Recruitment Notice Kapta Space does not engage with external recruiters or agencies without prior written agreement. If you are a recruiter (individual or agency) and wish to engage with Kapta Space for talent acquisition, please email

hr@kaptaspace.com .

Application Process We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. All final hiring decisions are made by humans.

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