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CesiumAstro creates out-of-the-box communication systems for space and airborne platforms.
The Role
Lead design, build, and management of a FlatSat testbed that mirrors spacecraft systems. Define architecture, drive hardware/software integration, run end-to-end simulations, enable HIL testing, manage configuration control, coordinate cross-functional teams, and support reviews and mission readiness.
Summary Generated by Built In
Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.
We are seeking a FlatSat Lead to architect, build, and manage our FlatSat infrastructure. This role owns the planning, execution, and continuous evolution of a system that mirrors the spacecraft and integrates flight hardware, flight software, ground systems, and GSE into a complete mission representation.
The FlatSat Lead will be responsible for technical direction, configuration control, infrastructure development, and cross-functional coordination to ensure the FlatSat enables rapid development, risk reduction, and mission success.
Your work will have a direct impact on the success of the company. You will work closely with the engineering team, program management to ensure the successful build and launch of our satellite. Element will be the largest, most powerful rideshare satellite in LEO. We’re launching eight of them in the next four years, starting with our first launch this year. Together, our small team will design, build, and iterate to reduce mass and cost while increasing performance, reliability, and manufacturability of a new generation of satellites. Let’s build!
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Define the architecture, configuration, and roadmap for the FlatSat environment
- Develop system-level integration plans covering flight hardware, avionics, software, and ground interfaces
- Ensure the FlatSat accurately represents mission configuration and operational scenarios
- Establish infrastructure to support full mission simulations and end-to-end testing
- Design and sometimes personally build custom Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and test interfaces
- Oversee mechanical, electrical, and network integration of FlatSat hardware
- Define power, communications, data handling, and environmental support architecture
- Ensure maintainability, scalability, and reliability of the FlatSat system
- Plan and execute system integration campaigns
- Coordinate across flight software, hardware, RF, payload, and ground teams
- Enable regression testing, mission rehearsals, anomaly reproduction, and validation testing
- Drive configuration management and documentation discipline
- Establish procedures for safe operations, access control, and hardware handling
- Manage upgrades and configuration changes as flight hardware evolves
- Track risks, integration issues, and system limitations
- Support design reviews, test readiness reviews, and mission readiness reviews
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field
- 9 years of experience in spacecraft integration, systems engineering, or hardware/software test environments
- Hands-on experience working with satellite subsystems and avionics
- Strong understanding of spacecraft power, communications, command & data handling, and ground interfaces
- Experience designing or supporting hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) or integration testbeds
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and system diagrams
- Proven ability to operate in fast-paced, evolving technical environments
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- Experience leading integration efforts for small satellite or spacecraft programs
- Experience designing custom GSE
- Familiarity with flatsat or spacecraft system test campaigns, including Hardware-in-the-Loop labs (HIL/HWIL)
- Knowledge of RF and payload integration
- Experience supporting environmental test or mission rehearsals
- Background in high-reliability or mission-critical systems
CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.
CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.
Skills Required
- U.S. person status per export regulations (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, conditional resident, asylee or refugee) or eligible for required authorizations
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Aerospace, Systems Engineering, or related field
- 9+ years experience in spacecraft integration, systems engineering, or hardware/software test environments
- Hands-on experience with satellite subsystems and avionics
- Strong understanding of spacecraft power, communications, command & data handling, and ground interfaces
- Experience designing or supporting Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) or integration testbeds
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and system diagrams
- Proven ability to operate in fast-paced, evolving technical environments
- Experience planning and executing system integration campaigns and managing configuration control
- Establishing safe operations, access control, and hardware handling procedures for testbeds
- Experience leading integration efforts for small satellite or spacecraft programs
- Experience designing custom Ground Support Equipment (GSE)
- Familiarity with flatsat or spacecraft system test campaigns, including HWIL labs
- Knowledge of RF and payload integration
- Experience supporting environmental testing or mission rehearsals
- Background in high-reliability or mission-critical systems
CesiumAstro Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about CesiumAstro and has not been reviewed or approved by CesiumAstro.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, plus FSAs and mental health benefits. Feedback suggests the health package is comprehensive for a growth-stage aerospace firm.
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Retirement Support — Offerings include a 401(k) with company matching and other retirement-plan elements. Feedback suggests core retirement mechanisms are in place alongside standard financial benefits.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Generous PTO, paid holidays, paid sick days, and bereavement leave are included. Feedback suggests time-off options are broad on paper across multiple leave types.
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The Company
What We Do
We build high-throughput, plug-and-play phased array communication payloads for space and airborne platforms. CesiumAstro’s full-stack, multi-mission hardware and software products enable a diverse range of commercial and defense objectives. Full-system engineering design is at the heart of every CesiumAstro product. We deliver high-performance solutions under rapid development timelines.
Why Work With Us
At CesiumAstro, we’re a team. We’re passionate, respectful, and determined colleagues ready to help at a moment’s notice. We’re mentors excited to enable our peers with the knowledge they need to succeed. Together, we’re visionaries committing to building memories that will last a lifetime.
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