Senior Spacecraft Power Electronics Engineer
$140k - $190k USD
Katalyst Description:
We build robotic spacecraft that enable dynamic space operations, creating a future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space activity that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.
Katalyst Culture:
Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.
What You’ll Do
- Own iteration of Katalyst’s spacecraft power system design, including schematics, board layouts, and interface definitions, to improve performance and complete feature upgrades.
- Lead operation of power system hardware during qualification testing, working directly with test engineers to execute thermal vacuum and vibration qualification test campaigns.
- Own integrated functional testing of power systems hardware with other spacecraft subsystems.
- Plan and execute targeted stress and performance testing, exercising hardware to design extremes through targeted performance testing.
- Define and plan design changes for feature or architecture improvement of the spacecraft power system with respect to future mission requirements.
- Mentor junior engineers
What We’re Looking For
- Pride in work: You hold yourself to a high bar. You produce designs, documentation, and analyses that are correct, detailed, and ready for scrutiny.
- Humility: You take on new challenges, learn from others, and grow. You seek out missing context, ask good questions, and course-correct quickly with new information.
- Technical intuition and mastery: You understand power electronics at the component level and how that integrates in and impacts spacecraft systems at the architecture level.
Your Ideal Background
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, or equivalent field
- 7+ years’ experience with spacecraft or high-reliability power electronics
- Prior ownership of a spacecraft power system or major power subsystem
- Experience defining power system architecture, not just implementing designs
- Extensive experience with hardware bring-up, failure analysis, and corrective action
- Direct experience leading qualification and acceptance testing (TVAC, vibration, etc.)
- Proven track record identifying and mitigating technical and integration risks
- Experience leading cross-functional integration with avionics and other spacecraft subsystems
- Experience setting design rules, test strategies, and review criteria
Additional Requirements: Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
Compensation and Benefits: Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $140,000 - $190,000 annually
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.
At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.