The Role
Designs and qualifies spacecraft avionics hardware, including schematics, PCB layouts, component selection, simulations, testing, and documentation. The role covers OBC, power, communications, ADCS, and payload interfaces; FMECA and reliability analysis; space-grade component procurement; environmental and EMI/EMC testing; design reviews; and hardware-software integration. Collaboration with mechanical, thermal, and software teams is required to deliver reliable, standards-compliant mission hardware.
Summary Generated by Built In
We are looking for a Hardware Design Engineer to design, develop, and qualify spacecraft avionics hardware. This includes schematics for the Onboard Computer (OBC), subsystem controllers, payload interfaces, and mission-specific electronics. You will be responsible for taking designs from concept through schematics, PCB layout, testing, and qualification, while ensuring compliance with space standards. The role also requires performing FMECA, component procurement, and supporting cross-functional teams in building reliable hardware for space missions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design schematics for OBC, EPS, communication units, ADCS, and payload interfaces.
- Develop, simulate, and validate circuits for power regulation, signal conditioning, and digital/analog interfaces.
- Own PCB design lifecycle: schematic capture, PCB layout, component selection, BOM preparation, and documentation.
- Perform FMECA for all designed hardware.
- Procure components, ensuring space-grade/reliable part selection, vendor qualification, and availability.
- Conduct design reviews (internal and cross-team) to ensure compliance with mission/system requirements.
- Work with mechanical and thermal teams for board integration into spacecraft structure.
- Develop test procedures and validate boards through functional, environmental (TVAC, vibration, EMI/EMC), and reliability testing.
- Interface with software engineers to ensure hardware-software co-design and integration.
- Responsible for creating and maintaining comprehensive documentation of all hardware designs, test procedures, and results for traceability and mission heritage.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- B.E./B.Tech or M.E./M.Tech in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Avionics, or related field.
- 2–6 years of experience in hardware design for aerospace/defense/embedded systems.
- Strong knowledge of digital/analog circuit design, microcontrollers, and sensor interfaces.
- Hands-on experience with schematic & PCB design tools (Altium Designer, KiCad, OrCAD, or Cadence Allegro).
- Familiarity with circuit simulation tools (LTSpice, PSpice, or equivalent).
- Understanding of EMI/EMC, grounding, and signal integrity best practices.
- Knowledge of space-grade/radiation-tolerant components, derating guidelines, and reliability analysis.
- Proficiency in FMECA, worst-case analysis, and component reliability assessment.
- Experience with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, power supplies).
- Good knowledge of design documentation and configuration control practices.
Nice to Have (Preferred):
- Experience with FPGA/CPLD design and hardware-software co-design.
- Knowledge of ECSS/NASA/IPC standards for space hardware development.
- Familiarity with system-level avionics integration and debugging.
- Prior experience with CubeSat/small satellite avionics hardware.
- Exposure to CAD tools for board-mechanical integration (SolidWorks, Fusion 360)
- Willingness to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed.
Skills Required
- B.E./B.Tech or M.E./M.Tech in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Avionics, or a related field
- 2-6 years of experience in hardware design for aerospace, defense, or embedded systems
- Strong knowledge of digital and analog circuit design, microcontrollers, and sensor interfaces
- Hands-on experience with schematic and PCB design tools such as Altium Designer, KiCad, OrCAD, or Cadence Allegro
- Familiarity with circuit simulation tools such as LTSpice, PSpice, or equivalent
- Understanding of EMI/EMC, grounding, and signal integrity best practices
- Knowledge of space-grade or radiation-tolerant components, derating guidelines, and reliability analysis
- Proficiency in FMECA, worst-case analysis, and component reliability assessment
- Experience using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and power supplies
- Knowledge of design documentation and configuration control practices
- Experience with FPGA/CPLD design and hardware-software co-design
- Knowledge of ECSS, NASA, or IPC standards for space hardware development
- Familiarity with system-level avionics integration and debugging
- Prior experience with CubeSat or small-satellite avionics hardware
- Exposure to SolidWorks or Fusion 360 for board-mechanical integration
- Willingness to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
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The Company
What We Do
Catalyx Space Inc. develops orbital return vehicles and integrated space infrastructure for heavy-mass, high-power, high-volume missions. Its offerings span launch logistics, in-orbit operations, payload integration, mission control, and recovery, along with unmanned laboratories, testbeds, and reusable re-entry capsules. The company targets space logistics, in-space manufacturing, research, defense, and other commercial applications across low Earth orbit and beyond through vertically integrated mission services.
