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Principal Electrical Engineer - Spacecraft

ZipRecruiter, Denver

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Job DescriptionJob Descriptionn

Principal Electrical Engineer Help Build the Worlds First Reusable Satellite Platform!

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Denver, CO | Onsite

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Opportunity Summary

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A well-funded startup at the forefront of space infrastructure is rethinking the way we access and operate in orbit. This team is developing a reusable satellite platform capable of controlled reentry and recovery, a groundbreaking innovation that unlocks entirely new mission possibilities for defense, R&D, in-space manufacturing, and more. As a Principal Electrical Engineer, youll lead the end-to-end development of spacecraft power and avionics systems, working hands-on with embedded firmware, radiation-tolerant designs, and system-level architecture. This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of mission-critical systems on a program that has the potential to redefine how satellites are built, used, and recovered.

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About Us

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Were an early-stage space startup designing and building the first satellite system that returns safely back to Earth, turning space from a one-way trip into a round-trip service. By separating payload development from the satellite platform and enabling high-cadence reuse, we are solving two of the most critical bottlenecks in space: long lead times and throwaway architecture. Our approach is already unlocking new mission profiles in security, advanced materials research, and orbital manufacturing.

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Job Duties

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  • Design and implement spacecraft power distribution and energy storage systems
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  • Architect the electrical and avionics layout for modular and reusable satellite platforms
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  • Develop embedded firmware for power management and subsystem integration
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  • Select, evaluate, and integrate both off-the-shelf and custom-designed electronics
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  • Drive PCBA design for reliability in radiation-prone environments
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  • Lead system-level trade studies and technical reviews across cross-functional teams
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  • Collaborate closely with mechanical and thermal engineers to meet mission constraints
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  • Qualify components and subsystems for spaceflight under aggressive development timelines
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  • Support recruitment and team-building efforts within the electrical group
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Qualifications

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  • Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field
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  • 7+ years of engineering experience, with a focus on power systems for spacecraft or other high-reliability environments
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  • Strong background in embedded systems and firmware development (C/C++)
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  • Experience with board design, layout, and manufacturing for mission-critical systems
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  • Familiarity with system-level integration and debugging under flight-like conditions
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  • Hands-on experience bringing space-rated electronics through flight validation
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  • Track record of operating in fast-paced, hardware-first development environments
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Experience

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  • Masters degree in Electrical Engineering
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  • Experience with radiation-hardened or radiation-tolerant electronics
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  • Background in digital design or FPGA development
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  • Knowledge of standards such as SMC-S-016, EEE-INST-002, or similar
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  • Previous experience working in an early-stage aerospace or hardware startup
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Why Join Us

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  • Help pioneer a reusable satellite platform with real-world mission impact
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  • Shape a future where payloads are returned, analyzed, and iterated faster than ever
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  • Join a team that values autonomy, speed, and deep technical ownership
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  • Collaborate with industry veterans from top aerospace companies and institutions
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  • Dynamic work environment with fast decision-making cycles
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  • Equity participation in a high-growth venture
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Compensation Details

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$150,000 - $200,000

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