Senior Avionics Engineer - L3

Job Description

Sophia Space is developing the Tile avionics platform that powers our orbital computing architecture. We are seeking a Senior (L3) Avionics Engineer to contribute to the design, analysis, integration, and verification of spacecraft avionics hardware supporting both command and data handling (C&DH) and electrical power system (EPS) functions.

Working closely with the Avionics Lead, firmware engineers, PCB designers, systems engineers, and mechanical and thermal teams, this role supports development of embedded compute hardware, power electronics, board bring-up, and hardware integration activities. The engineer will independently lead significant technical efforts within the avionics subsystem while contributing to cross-disciplinary spacecraft development from concept through qualification and flight.

Location & Eligibility

This position is primarily in-person in Pasadena, California, with occasional hybrid flexibility based on business needs.

This position requires access to technology that is subject to U.S. export control laws. To comply with applicable ITAR and EAR regulations, applicants must qualify as a U.S. Person, as defined under those regulations. U.S. Persons generally include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and certain protected individuals as defined by applicable law.

Primary Responsibilities

Avionics Hardware Development

• Design, analyze, and verify avionics hardware supporting spacecraft command and data handling and electrical power systems.
• Develop analog, digital, and mixed-signal circuitry supporting embedded computing, power distribution, and spacecraft interfaces.
• Support schematic development, PCB layout reviews, component selection, and design verification.
• Collaborate with firmware engineers to ensure robust hardware-software integration.

Hardware Analysis & Verification

• Perform circuit analysis, control-loop evaluation, power integrity analysis, and hardware characterization.
• Validate designs using simulation, laboratory measurements, and subsystem testing.
• Support component derating, fault protection, grounding strategies, and electrical interface verification.
• Participate in subsystem trade studies balancing performance, reliability, manufacturability, and schedule.

Hardware Integration & Test

• Support board bring-up, laboratory debugging, subsystem integration, and environmental qualification.
• Develop and operate avionics testbeds supporting functional verification and hardware characterization.
• Investigate hardware anomalies and perform root-cause analysis throughout development and testing.
• Support environmental qualification activities including TVAC, vibration, EMC, and system integration campaigns.

Cross-Disciplinary Engineering

• Collaborate closely with systems, software, mechanical, thermal, manufacturing, and integration teams throughout spacecraft development.
• Support requirements development, interface definition, technical documentation, and major engineering reviews.
• Contribute to successful hardware delivery through disciplined engineering execution and effective technical communication.

Required Skills

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• 5–8 years of experience developing avionics, embedded electronics, or high-reliability electronic systems.
• Experience designing analog, digital, or mixed-signal electronic hardware.
• Experience supporting board bring-up, laboratory debugging, and hardware integration.
• Strong understanding of embedded electronics, power electronics fundamentals, and hardware verification techniques.
• Experience with schematic capture, PCB design reviews, component selection, and laboratory instrumentation.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and technical communication skills.
• Ability to independently execute technical work while collaborating across multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Desired Skills

Command & Data Handling (C&DH)

• Experience developing spacecraft command and data handling electronics using processors, FPGAs, or System-on-Module (SoM) architectures.
• Familiarity with embedded interfaces such as Ethernet, CAN, SPI, I²C, UART, SpaceWire, PCIe, or USB.
• Experience supporting hardware-software integration, board bring-up, and embedded firmware validation.

Electrical Power Systems (EPS)

• Experience designing spacecraft electrical power systems, including switching power supplies, battery interfaces, solar regulation, and power distribution.
• Familiarity with power integrity, control-loop analysis, fault protection, EMI mitigation, grounding strategies, and electrical characterization.
• Experience using programmable loads, battery emulators, solar simulators, or similar power electronics laboratory equipment.

Spacecraft Hardware Development

• Experience supporting spacecraft avionics from requirements through integration, qualification, launch, or flight operations.
• Familiarity with radiation-aware design, derating practices, and space-qualified electronic components.
• Experience participating in SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, or Flight Readiness Reviews.

Integration & Test

• Experience with avionics integration testbeds, hardware-in-the-loop environments, or spacecraft environmental testing.
• Hands-on experience with board bring-up, TVAC, vibration, EMC, and system-level integration activities.

Spacecraft Systems

• Understanding of spacecraft subsystem interactions including systems engineering, software, communications, mechanical, and thermal interfaces.
• Experience contributing to ICDs, requirements verification, technical trade studies, or subsystem integration.