[Phenix Space] Founding Avionics Engineer

Cox Exponential • San Francisco, CA

5h

About The Position

Phenix Space is seeking an Avionics Engineer to lead the development of space-rated robotics hardware. This role will focus on hardware design, embedded systems development, real-time control, and power-efficient computing for Phenix’s robotic module.
You will work on system integration, power management, actuation, sensor fusion, and embedded software, ensuring that our robotic system meets space-grade performance, endurance, and autonomy requirements.
This is an opportunity to develop cutting-edge robotics and embedded systems for next-generation space infrastructure.

Requirements

• Master’s or PhD in electrical engineering, mechatronics, aerospace engineering, or equivalent work experience.
• 3+ years of experience in space working with mechatronics, electrical engineering, or embedded systems development.
• Hands-on experience designing and building electromechanical systems for space applications.
• Strong expertise in embedded programming (C/C++) for real-time and safety-critical systems.
• Understanding of EtherCAT, CAN, I2C, SPI, and low-level communication protocols.
• Proficiency in power management, battery systems, and circuit design (PCB, microcontrollers, FPGAs, sensors) for space applications.
• Familiarity with actuation systems, including motors, servos, and mechanical linkages.
• Knowledge of thermal, vibration, and radiation testing for space applications.

Nice To Haves

• Background in space systems, satellite bus integration, or in-space robotics.
• Experience with motors used in space systems and their thermal and radiation considerations.
• Experience with shielding or radiation hardening circuits or components for space applications.
• Familiarity with radiation-hardened processors and space-grade materials.
• Hands-on experience in designing and testing radiation-resistant embedded systems for extreme environments.
• Experience with FPGAs or ASICs-based designs.
• [Bonus] Experience with optical systems (RGB, depth) for perception-based automation.
• [Bonus] Experience with analog systems and related integrations.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and iterate on the foldable robotic arm prototype, focusing on sensors, actuation, cabling, and power systems.
• Transition from initial prototypes to space-ready designs, ensuring robustness and system scalability.
• Design, develop, and test space-ready PCBs and circuits for custom electronics, sensors, and power management.
• Develop and implement real-time control systems (HAL level) for robotic actuation and sensors.
• Design power-efficient compute architectures, optimizing for radiation resistance and in-space power constraints.
• Lead architectural decisions and system design.
• Integrate buses & middleware: EtherCAT, CAN-FD, SPI/I2C, UART/RS-485
• Select and integrate space-grade components.
• Support reliability and environmental testing (thermal, vacuum, vibration) with third-party space-grade testing providers.
• Iterate on flight-ready designs based on mechanical, thermal, and radiation test results.
• Assist in developing space-grade manufacturing processes for Phenix’s robotic module.
• Work with key vendors and suppliers for critical robotic and space-qualified components.
• Work with manufacturing partners to develop and source high-reliability actuators, sensors, and electronics.

Benefits

• Develop a high-impact autonomous space robotics system with a world-class team.
• Work in a highly autonomous manner. Your work will be wide-ranging with multiple cross-functional contributions.
• Grow into a leader of a company, enabling revolutionary capabilities in next-generation space systems.
• Work in a fast-moving, high-stakes engineering environment where your contributions will directly shape the future of space infrastructure.
• Solve complex challenges in robotic actuation, space-rated computing, and AI-driven control.
• Collaborate with leading experts in robotics, aerospace, and AI to push the boundaries of autonomous servicing technologies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level