Hardware Design Engineer

Design the flight electronics for a lunar rover mission headed to the Moon in 2027.

Join a talented avionics team developing high-reliability spaceflight hardware from concept through qualification and flight. This is a rare opportunity to own mixed-signal PCB development, influence system architecture, and help bring a next-generation lunar rover to life.

Job Title: Hardware Design Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Hardware Design Engineer to lead the development of high-reliability electronics for space applications. In this role, you will support avionics system architecture, requirements development, and perform detailed analysis and trade studies. You will own the development of mixed signal PCBAs from inception through qualification and flight.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of avionics system architecture and conduct requirements analysis and trade studies.
• Lead mixed signal PCBA development from a clean slate to qualification and flight.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to develop PCBA requirements, architectures, and concepts of operations.
• Perform schematic capture and PCB layout of complex power, digital, and analog circuits using Altium Designer.
• Conduct circuit analysis, including power integrity, signal integrity, SWaP optimization, tolerance analysis, and reliability assessments.
• Lead PCBA design verification testing, qualification testing, and system integration testing.
• Facilitate design reviews for interdisciplinary audiences, effectively communicating tradeoffs and design intent.
• Provide support for manufacturing, integration, and flight operations as necessary.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent.
• 15+ years of experience in power, digital, and analog electronics design, including schematic capture, PCB layout, analysis, and testing.
• Proficiency with voltage regulators, FPGAs, SoCs, high-speed data interfaces, precision analog instrumentation, and clocking architectures.
• Skilled in schematic capture and layout of complex PCBs.
• Expertise in performing circuit simulations and analysis in SPICE, Excel, and other tools.
• Proficiency with electronic lab equipment such as power supplies, oscilloscopes, DMMs, signal generators, and soldering tools.
• Proven success in taking ownership and thriving in a dynamic environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace/defense sectors, specifically with spaceflight hardware, satellites, rovers, UAVs, missiles.
• Ability to design high-reliability embedded hardware, including avionics and flight electronics.

Work Environment

You will work in a vibrant startup environment as part of a strong avionics team. This role offers the unique opportunity to design the core electronics for a rover destined for the moon in 2027. The team is led by the Director of Avionics, fostering an innovative and collaborative atmosphere.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Hawthorne, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $243000.00/yr.

What We Offer: Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration Equity ownership in the company Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support 401(k) plan with company match Flexible PTO and parental leave Home office set-up reimbursement Fully flexible and remote-friendly work environment Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site Once a month, social hour on-site with food and drinks

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Hawthorne,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 15, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.