Avionics Lead (Power and Data)
About Us
Space Machines Company (SMC) is transforming the future of space operations with a bold mission: to deliver Roadside Assistance in Space.
As orbit becomes more congested and contested, we act as the "first responders" protecting the satellites that power life on Earth—from communications to navigation. Partnering with both commercial operators and government agencies, we're strengthening space resilience and enabling the growth of a sustainable space economy.
We're building this critical capability through hyperscale spacecraft manufacturing—delivering Optimus Viper spacecraft at mass-production economics with rapid-response capability.
The future of space is one where satellites are monitored, maintained, and protected in orbit. At SMC, we're making that future real.
Why Join Us
We're a start-up — things move fast, resources are lean, and we're building as we go.
What we offer is opportunity: to learn at speed, grow with the company, and leave your fingerprints on something that's never been done before. At Space Machines Company, engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers join forces to push the limits of what's possible.
If you want to build technology designed to protect and power humanity's future in space — and see your work make a visible impact — this is where you'll do it.
How We Work
We are builders first.
We approach every challenge through a cycle of design, build, test, and refine — making ideas real, learning from results, and improving with each iteration.
We challenge assumptions to make sure we're solving the right problems, and we strengthen our solutions through collaboration and feedback.
We use process where it adds value and set it aside where it slows us down. There are a lot of firsts here, and we meet them with curiosity and courage.
We win as one team.
Requirements
As our Avionics Lead (Power and Data), you will lead the design, development, test and delivery of the spacecraft’s power and data avionics architecture. You will be responsible for the Electrical Power Subsystem (EPS) and Command and Data Handling (CDH) subsystem. You will build up and lead a team of electrical, electronics and firmware engineers.
In this role, you own outcomes from end to end, including:
System Architecture & Design – Own the design of spacecraft power and data avionics, ensuring robustness, flight readiness and compatibility with other satellite subsystems.
Electronics Development – Lead design, development and test of in-house avionics PCBAs. Ensure high electronic quality standards through the review of PCB schematics and layout.
Firmware Development – Lead design, development and review of the embedded firmware.
EPS Development – Lead the design, analysis, procurement, integration and testing of the electrical power subsystem, ensuring it can generate, store, and distribute electrical power from solar panels and batteries.
CDH Development – Lead the design, development and test of the Command and Data Handling subsystem including developing in-house hardware (PCBAs) and firmware required to manage the spacecraft commands and data.
Hardware Selection – Lead the buy/build trade and the selection and procurement of hardware.
Compatibility – Collaborate with other teams and ensure compatibility with other subsystems such as Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC), Propulsion, Payload and Flight Software (FSW).
Integration & Testing – Drive integration of avionics hardware with flight software and payload systems, ensuring end-to-end validation through lab, HIL, and mission testing.
Standards & Compliance – Establish best practices for electronics design, testing, and qualification, ensuring compliance with aerospace standards.
Leadership & Mentorship – Lead from the front by guiding and growing electrical and electronics engineers, driving design reviews, sharing knowledge, and making sure avionics has a strong voice in cross-discipline decisions.
About You
You'll thrive in this role if you bring:
A builder's mindset — turning ideas and theory into working systems through hands-on development, simulation, and testing.
An iterative approach — designing, building, testing, learning, and improving with each cycle. Comfortable with weekly integration cadence and rapid validation of new algorithms.
Collaboration and curiosity — working across disciplines and exploring beyond your own expertise. Exploring beyond your own expertise to solve novel problems in novel ways.
Adaptability and ownership — thriving in a fast-scaling, evolving environment where requirements emerge from building. Driving outcomes end to end without waiting for perfect specifications.
Proven experience:
- 7+ years in avionics, aerospace electronics, or satellite systems, with leadership in designing , testing and delivering reliable avionics electronics, with a track record of taking concepts through development, qualification, and flight.
- Strong foundation in both hardware and firmware is essential
- Professional-level proficiency in Altium
- Ability to critically review embedded firmware
- Capable of evaluating, developing, and implementing hardware and system-level test setups
- Extensive troubleshooting skills and frequent collaboration across departments to resolve complex, system-wide challenges
- Experience managing, leading and coaching teams
Bonus experience:
- Experience in satellite Command and Data Handling and/or Electrical Power Subsystems
- Space, aerospace, defence, or robotics leadership experience
- Startup experience with fast-paced development cycles and resource constraints
Benefits
What You Actually Get
You won't get rich quickly. But you'll get:
Competitive salary – Fair pay for hard work. Commensurate with experience and the impact you'll have.
Meaningful equity (ESOP) – Real ownership stake. Stock options that matter because you're joining early enough for them to matter. If we win, you win.
Actual leave – Annual leave plus personal/sick days. Because even warriors need to recover.
Public holidays – All of them.
And freedom. Real freedom to build, decide, and move without waiting for permission. That's not a benefit you'll find in a package description, but it's worth more than most perks on this list.