Avionics Manager, Spacecraft

Katalyst Space Technologies•Broomfield, CO

About The Position

Katalyst builds robotic spacecraft for dynamic space operations, aiming to make maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration routine in space. The company focuses on developing foundational capabilities for sustained, responsive operations to enable a new era of space activity. Working at Katalyst is described as intense, hands-on, and rewarding, with opportunities for real ownership and impact in an environment with hard problems and driven teammates. The culture values humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
8+ years developing complex embedded systems for aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomous systems, or related industries.
3+ years leading technical teams or engineering organizations.
Experience developing flight computers, embedded electronics, communications systems, or spacecraft avionics.
Experience with integration, verification, and qualification testing of hardware/software systems.
Strong understanding of reliability, redundancy, fault management, and mission-critical architectures.
Strong communication and leadership skills.

Nice To Haves

Spacecraft development experience through launch and on-orbit operations.
Experience with radiation-tolerant electronics and space-qualified hardware.
Familiarity with CAN, SpaceWire, Ethernet, RS-422/485, SPI, I2C, and spacecraft communication architectures.
Experience with FPGA-based systems and high-reliability embedded software.
Experience building hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop test environments.
Experience supporting design reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR.
Active U.S. security clearance or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

Lead the avionics organization responsible for spacecraft electronics, embedded software, communications, power systems, sensors, harnessing, and fault management.
Own avionics architecture across multiple spacecraft programs from concept through flight operations.
Oversight of power electronics design, development, testing, and integration to ensure system performance, reliability, and compliance with technical requirements.
Drive hardware and software development efforts, ensuring designs meet performance, reliability, schedule, and cost requirements.
Establish avionics engineering processes, standards, and design reviews.
Partner closely with Systems, GNC, Robotics, Flight Software, and Mission Operations teams.
Lead avionics integration, environmental testing, and flight qualification campaigns.
Develop technical roadmaps for future avionics capabilities supporting robotic servicing missions.
Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing avionics team.
Support customer engagements, technical reviews, and proposal efforts.