Job Details

Principal Avionics Engineer

Department: Avionics

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Hawthorne, California

Reporting To: Dan Fuller

Compensation: $150,000 - $240,000 / year

Description

Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity's presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world-class team.

The Astrolab Avionics team is at the forefront of developing advanced, space-grade vehicle platforms for terrestrial applications. Our team brings deep knowledge and specialized expertise, covering everything from crucial power systems and command and data handling to precise motion control. This broad skill set enables us to produce the high-quality flight hardware essential for challenging missions across our solar system. Our engineers are involved in every step of a mission's journey, from concept development and implementation to integration & test, verification & validation, delivery, and ongoing operations.

As a Principal Avionics Engineer, you will be instrumental in planning and executing the hardware design for highly complex, one-of-a-kind avionic systems tailored for terrestrial use. This comprehensive role involves performing in-depth trade studies, defining and managing avionic interface definitions and requirements, leading verification & validation (V&V) efforts, and analyzing system performance. You'll also serve as a key technical advisor, drawing upon your extensive experience and expertise.

What you'll do:

• Lead the design, modeling, analysis, testing, and validation of avionic systems
• Define requirements to verify architectural integrity and designs
• Generate comprehensive documentation for hardware developments
• Identify and resolve deficiencies in designs and prototypes
• Communicate complex architectures and designs to technical teams
• Collaborate effectively as a key team member, both internally and externally
• Contribute to defining optimal architectural design criteria and approaches, guiding technical implementations
• Stay current with emerging avionic technologies and industry advancements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field
• 9+ years' of progressive professional experience
  • OR minimum of 7 years of experience with a Master's degree
  • OR minimum of 5 years with a Ph.D.
• Advanced proficiency in Analog/Digital Electronics, Control and Power systems, Reliability Engineering, and Integration & Test
• Strong understanding of motor controls, power electronics, and system engineering principles
• Fundamental understanding across core engineering disciplines, including electronics, electromagnetics, and computer hardware/software
• Proven experience implementing closed-loop control mehodologies for power, motor, and/or thermal systems using microcontrollers and/or FPGAs
• Recent hands-on hardware development experience in military, aerospace, or space domains, with proven expertise in testbed and flight hardware testing
• Familiarity with key design tools such as Altium Designer (schematic capture and PCB layout), LTSPICE, and/or PSPICE (electronics design simulation)
• Demonstrates a track record of innovation in developing new products, algorithms, and systems, with exceptional problem-solving abilities
• Strong organizational and documentation skills, excellent communication and interpersonal strengths, and the ability to thrive both independently and in collaborative environments

• Work with a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
• Ownership in the company
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with matching
• Flexible time off and parental leave
• On-site snacks, beverages, and 2x weekly lunches
• Flexible work environment