Avionics Systems Engineer (All Levels) Astrolab - 4.3 Hawthorne, CA Job Details Full-time $100,000 - $230,000 a year 6 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Parental leave Vision insurance 401(k) matching Qualifications Electrical schematic reading and interpretation Full Job Description Description Astrolab is The Lunar Operations Company. We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on — rovers, power, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon. We are focused on the problems that must be solved before the next chapter of human exploration can scale. The Moon does not forgive untested assumptions. The people who work here know that, and they wouldn't have it any other way. As an Avionics Systems Engineer at Astrolab, you will define the requirements, architecture, and implementation of avionics systems on our planetary rovers. You will own the electrical architecture at the vehicle level, spanning power distribution, data networks, harnessing, and the interfaces between avionics units, and you will represent the avionics team in vehicle-level trades with mechanical, software, and thermal teams. You will serve as Responsible Engineer for avionics system design and performance, carrying it from requirements definition through integration, verification, and operations on the lunar surface. This posting covers entry-level through staff-level positions, and leveling will be commensurate with experience. What you'll do:

Architecture & Requirements :

Define avionics system architecture and electrical architecture at the vehicle level, including power distribution, grounding, data networks, and harnessing. Write, flow down, and verify requirements at the system and component level

System Trades :

Lead design trades and sensitivity studies to select architectures that are robust, fault-tolerant, and meet mission requirements. Represent the avionics team in vehicle-level trades with mechanical, software, and thermal teams

Interfaces :

Create and maintain technical documentation including system diagrams, schematics, interface control documents, procedures, and test and anomaly reports. Own electrical interfaces between avionics units, payloads, and ground systems

Verification & Test :

Develop design verification, qualification, and acceptance test plans, and coordinate with avionics hardware, manufacturing, and test engineers to execute them. Help develop and operate HIL testbeds to verify functionality before vehicle integration

Integration & Operations :

Support assembly, integration, and test (AIT), write and execute vehicle-level electrical functional validation procedures, and support launch campaigns and lunar surface operations

Anomaly Resolution :

Support integration testing, production issue dispositions, and troubleshooting of failures, using root cause techniques such as fault tree and fishbone analysis, and manage overall avionics system risk What you'll bring: Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree in a science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) related field Experience with aerospace component or system development, testing, integration, or operations Experience with electrical test equipment including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, signal generators, electronic loads, and multimeters, and the ability to interpret electrical schematics Preferred Qualifications Experience with spacecraft or launch vehicle avionics systems design, development, production, test, and operations Experience with requirements writing, flow-down, and verification using systems engineering tools and processes Experience performing trade studies and sensitivity studies to select the best architecture option Experience with spacecraft power system engineering, including power budgeting, distribution, and grounding architecture Experience with digital communication protocols and vehicle networks including RS-422, RS-485, CAN, or Ethernet Experience with HIL testbed system development, and programming in Python, C, or C++ for test and automation Familiarity with FMECA, fault tolerance and isolation design, and failure modes of spaceflight electrical components Familiarity with SMC-S-016, MIL-STD-810, or other environmental testing standards, including shock, thermal, burn-in, TVAC, vibration, and EMI/EMC testing For senior and staff levels: experience leading development of avionics architectures for current and future vehicles, developing schedules and system-level test and operations plans, and mentoring engineers Benefits and Perks Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration Equity ownership in the company Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support 401(k) plan with company match Flexible PTO and parental leave Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks About Astrolab Having a strong, inclusive, and inspired team is essential to accomplishing our bold mission. Employees are our biggest asset, and we are deeply committed to them and our values. At Astrolab we… Demonstrate and inspire trust. Interactions are direct, honest, and respectful. We are fair and transparent with what we do and why. Thrive in balance. Balance gives us perspective and keeps us motivated and inspired. We commit to rewarding work and a fulfilling personal life. Seek diverse perspectives. We ask questions, engage in productive debate and offer alternatives to ensure our solutions and products are robust and a reflection of our collective best. Move with purpose. Quality and reliability are accomplished through efficient ideation and iteration. We act with a sense of urgency and deliver what we promise, always with the big picture in mind. Make an impact. We intentionally move our community and industry into the future through our work, practices, and actions.