Hardware Engineer III

Innoflight LLC • San Diego, CA

6d • $115,582 - $173,372 • Onsite

About The Position

As a Hardware Engineer III, you’ll take technical ownership of complex electronic hardware that powers spacecraft subsystems. You’ll lead the design and development of high-speed, analog, digital, and power electronics, driving embedded board-level solutions from concept through integration. This role blends deep technical expertise with cross-functional leadership—partnering with software, firmware (HDL), mechanical, and PCB layout teams to deliver high-reliability hardware ready for orbit. You’ll also provide technical guidance, mentor engineers, and ensure that every design meets mission-critical performance standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline (Master’s preferred).
• 5 or more years of experience designing and developing complex embedded and board-level electronic hardware.
• Strong background in high-speed digital and analog circuit design, including FPGAs, microprocessor-based systems, and memory architectures.
• Experience with schematic capture and PCB design tools such as Altium, OrCAD, or HyperLynx.
• Proficiency in signal and power integrity analysis, impedance control, and EMI/EMC compliance.
• Familiarity with radiation testing, space-grade component selection, and thermal management.
• Hands-on experience developing test automation scripts (Python, PowerShell) or reference designs (Linux, VHDL).
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Complex Hardware Development: You thrive on designing and validating advanced, high-speed electronic systems for mission-critical applications.
• System-Level Thinking: You see the full picture—balancing performance, manufacturability, and integration across multiple subsystems.
• PCB Design Expertise: You guide layout teams with precision on stack-up design, routing, and signal integrity strategies.
• Technical Leadership: You’re confident leading reviews, mentoring peers, and making design decisions that influence spacecraft success.

Responsibilities

• Lead Advanced Hardware Design: Drive the design, validation, and debugging of analog, power, and embedded board-level electronic systems.
• Develop High-Speed Interfaces: Design Rocket I/O, Ethernet, PCI-e, DDR, RS-422, and LVDS interfaces for FPGAs, microcontrollers, and memory devices used in spacecraft systems.
• Design Power Systems: Develop linear and high-efficiency switching power supplies to meet demanding board-level voltage and current requirements.
• Guide PCB Layout: Provide expert direction for stack-up configuration, impedance control, signal and power integrity, and EMI/EMC considerations.
• Perform Advanced Analyses: Conduct SPICE simulations and signal/power integrity analysis to ensure robust operation in radiation and space environments.
• Collaborate Across Disciplines: Work closely with software, firmware, mechanical, and systems teams to achieve seamless hardware integration and performance alignment.
• Document and Review: Develop and review detailed design documentation, including specifications, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), test procedures, and user manuals.
• Support Manufacturing and Test: Lead troubleshooting, system integration, and test automation efforts using Linux, Python, PowerShell, or VHDL reference designs.
• Ensure Compliance: Oversee component selection and validation to meet radiation, EMI/EMC, and space-grade reliability requirements.
• Mentor and Lead: Provide technical guidance to junior engineers and contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and methodologies.

Benefits

• Profit-Sharing Bonus
• Cash Performance Bonus
• 401(k) with 3% company match (automatic enrollment)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, HSA & life insurance
• 10 paid holidays + 120 hours PTO (starting in year one)
• Access to ancillary benefits such as critical illness, accident, disability, legal and pet insurance.

What This Job Offers

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