Satellite Systems Engineer (LEO CubeSat)

About the role

A startup developing missions for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is looking for a mid-level Satellite Systems Engineer with a strong design mindset and hands-on execution capability. The role is design-heavy, covering system architecture, subsystem selection, integration, environmental testing and launch preparation. You will shape the spacecraft design, make pragmatic trade-offs for LEO environments and select and procure COTS subsystems and components.

Key responsibilities

• Drive system-level spacecraft design for LEO CubeSat missions, including architecture definition, requirements flow-down and interface management.
• Perform design trade-offs considering LEO constraints such as thermal cycling, radiation exposure and launch loads.
• Lead or contribute to the selection, evaluation and procurement of COTS subsystems (avionics, power systems, radios, payload electronics, sensors).
• Assess vendor documentation, qualification data, heritage and risks, and define acceptance or additional screening tests.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation: system requirements, interface control documents, test plans, verification matrices and anomaly reports.
• Define electrical architectures (power distribution, grounding, harnessing, data interfaces) and work with interfaces such as RS-422/232, UART, I2C, SPI, CAN and CSP.
• Support hands-on AIT: hardware bring-up, integration, debugging, rework and re-test.
• Plan and support environmental testing (TVAC, TID, vibration, shock) and launch environment requirements.
• Apply EMI/EMC design principles and support launch integration and early mission operations.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Aerospace, Systems, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in satellite, aerospace or high-reliability embedded hardware systems.
• Experience selecting and evaluating COTS hardware, and a solid understanding of CubeSat system hierarchy.
• Preferred: prior aerospace company experience, direct involvement in a LEO mission, and experience defining acceptance vs. qualification test strategies.

Required skills

• Embedded and spacecraft interfaces (RS-422/232, UART, I2C, SPI, CAN, etc.)
• Working knowledge of environmental testing and EMI/EMC fundamentals
• Ability to troubleshoot using schematics, test equipment and logs
• Preferred: mechanical and electrical CAD, deployer and rideshare integration knowledge, IPC standards, power systems and avionics boards

What we offer

• Competitive salary and a benefits package including health insurance and fuel support.
• Continued support for candidates enrolled in a master's or doctoral program.
• Professional growth opportunities and a collaborative, innovative work environment.