Approach Venture LLC
Lead Avionics Engineer - Spacecraft
Approach Venture LLC - Denver, Colorado, United States, 80285
Work at Approach Venture LLC
Overview
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Overview
Lead Avionics Engineer - Design and Deliver the Flight Avionics Powering Orbital-Scale Modular Spacecraft!
Denver, CO | Hybrid
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
Compensation Details
$120,000 - $180,000 plus equity
#LI-AV
Denver, CO | Hybrid
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
Compensation Details
$120,000 - $180,000 plus equity
#LI-AV