Staff Electrical Engineer – Satellite C&DH Subsystem - $10K Sign On Bonus

CesiumAstro•Austin, TX

About The Position

CesiumAstro is seeking a Staff Electrical Engineer to lead Command and Data Handling (C&DH) subsystem development for its Element Satellite team. The role is responsible for designing and delivering the C&DH subsystem for high-volume communications satellites, including subsystem architecture, analysis, make-or-buy decisions, vendor interactions, design verification testing, hardware delivery, and on-orbit support. The engineer will collaborate with satellite architects and internal component development teams on a long-term roadmap and serve as a key contact for satellite software, mechanical, and AI&T teams. The position involves hands-on, cross-functional work in a startup environment and requires developing practical solutions to complex spacecraft design challenges.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering from an accredited university.
At least 8 years of industry experience in spacecraft electrical system design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, and troubleshooting; a master's degree may count as two years of experience.
Strong understanding of electronics and electrical engineering fundamentals.
Understanding of spacecraft electrical subsystems, including processors, digital I/O, timing signals, power rails, and grounding.
Experience with rapid prototyping, iteration, and flight delivery cycles.
Proficiency in electrical system design and analysis, including electrical ICD definition, requirement derivation, digital I/O standards, power interfaces, connectors, and cabling.
Hands-on experience using lab instruments such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, electronic loads, and signal generators to debug, test, and validate high-reliability electronics.
Experience with satellite electrical system concepts such as data and memory budgets, telemetry, flight software controls, and electronics thermal management.
Understanding of the space electronics supply chain, production issues, test processes, and flight operations.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Must meet U.S. Government Space Technology Export Regulations eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, conditional resident, asylee, or refugee, or be eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

Nice To Haves

Experience with multiple distinct spacecraft electrical architectures that informs a vision for next-generation spacecraft.
Experience with Python, C++, MATLAB, or other programming languages.
Experience evaluating and testing hardware for effects due to TID, SEE, EMI, and related phenomena.
Familiarity with environmental testing, including thermal, shock, vibration, and TVAC.

Responsibilities

Direct technical definition, implementation, and verification of satellite avionics systems.
Define and maintain C&DH subsystem architecture and interfaces.
Conduct make-or-buy trades and trade studies for purchased items.
Represent C&DH in interactions with satellite systems, mechanical, software, and AI&T teams.
Collaborate on in-house solutions to improve satellite performance and manufacturability at scale.
Make decisions with limited input and analysis while driving the team to produce and iterate hardware.
Design and execute box-level and subsystem-level design verification, qualification, and/or acceptance test plans.
Prepare and deliver technical communications to company leadership and executives.
Deliver reliable, high-performance space avionics systems for spaceflight missions.
Own subsystem-level analysis, technical vendor interactions, subsystem DVT, hardware delivery, and on-orbit support.