Senior Electrical Engineer, Avionics

Katalyst Description:

Katalyst is an American technology company focused on dynamic space operations.  We are building a fleet of dual-use multipurpose robotic space vehicles to create the future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, resupply 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 exploration 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 flight avionics architecture and detailed electrical design for upgrade modules from concept through qualification, integration, launch, and on-orbit operations. 

• Design, analyze, and release spacecraft electronics including processor/compute boards, power conversion and distribution interfaces, sensor/actuator interfaces, communications interfaces, and supporting analog/digital circuitry. 

• Develop electrical schematics, component selections, interface definitions, grounding/bonding approaches, and board-level requirements; partner with PCB layout and manufacturing through build and bring-up. 

• Drive avionics integration across flight software, GNC, power, communications, propulsion, robotics, and payload systems, resolving electrical and data-interface issues at the spacecraft level. 

• Plan and execute board bring-up, functional test, environmental qualification, EMI/EMC testing, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and spacecraft-level integration; lead anomaly investigation and root-cause closure. 

• Perform and review worst-case circuit analysis, power and signal integrity analysis, timing/bus analysis, derating, reliability assessments, and radiation-informed part selection appropriate to mission needs. 

• Create high-quality engineering documentation and technical baselines, and contribute to major design reviews and flight readiness decisions. 

What We’re Looking For  

Required  

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline. 

• 5-8 years of experience designing and delivering complex electrical or avionics hardware for spacecraft, aerospace, defense, robotics, or other mission-critical systems. 

• Demonstrated ownership of avionics or embedded electronics from architecture and schematic design through bring-up, integration, verification, and qualification. 

• Strong fundamentals in analog and digital circuit design, embedded processors/FPGAs, power electronics interfaces, high-speed/serial communications, and hardware debugging. 

• Hands-on proficiency with laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, power supplies, electronic loads, and data acquisition equipment. 

• Strong technical communication skills and the ability to work effectively across hardware, software, systems, manufacturing, and program teams. 

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment where ownership, initiative, and sound engineering judgment are essential. 

Your Ideal Background  

Preferred   

• Experience developing spacecraft avionics through flight qualification and operational deployment. 

• Experience with radiation effects, component derating, reliability, fault tolerance, redundancy, and single-event-effect mitigation for space electronics. 

• Experience with common spacecraft interfaces and buses such as CAN, SpaceWire, RS-422/485, Ethernet, SPI, I2C, UART, and discrete I/O. 

• Experience with EMI/EMC design and test, grounding/bonding, harness/interface design, and spacecraft electrical integration. 

• Experience with ECAD tools and configuration-controlled release processes; familiarity with PCB layout constraints, manufacturing, and acceptance testing. 

• Experience leading or supporting major reviews such as PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR. 

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 $145,000 - $180,000 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.