Principal Hardware Systems Engineer

Sidus Space® (NASDAQ: SIDU) is an innovative space and defense technology company offering flexible, cost-effective solutions, including satellite manufacturing and technology integration, AI-driven space-based data solutions, mission planning and management operations, AI/ML products and services, and space and defense hardware manufacturing. With its mission of Space Access Reimagined®, Sidus Space is committed to rapid innovation, adaptable and cost-effective solutions, and the optimization of space system and data collection performance. With demonstrated space heritage, including manufacturing and operating its own satellite and sensor system, LizzieSat®, Sidus Space serves government, defense, intelligence, and commercial companies around the globe.

Strategically headquartered on Florida’s Space Coast, Sidus Space operates a 35,000-square-foot space manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing facility and provides easy access to nearby launch facilities. But it’s our people who truly set us apart. We foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and agility, empowering our team to innovate and evolve in a rapidly changing industry. Join us at Sidus Space to be part of something extraordinary and help shape the future of space access!

Job Summary

The Principal Systems Engineer will lead the design, development, integration, and verification of advanced microelectronic and compute-intensive hardware systems, with a primary focus on new development 3U VPX modules, high-performance embedded computing platforms, and complex AI processing hardware. This role requires deep multidisciplinary engineering expertise, technical leadership, and experience architecting and maturing sophisticated electronic systems from concept through qualification.

The position is 100% onsite, located in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Lead R&D activities centered on next-generation embedded computing architectures, including development of system specifications, ICDs, and test plans supporting high-speed digital, RF, and mixed-signal hardware.
• Drive the design, prototyping, and validation of microelectronic and PCB-level hardware including 3U VPX modules, AI accelerator subsystems, and other mission-critical compute elements.
• Collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, software, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless integration of high-density digital systems, high-speed interfaces, and complex power architectures.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues across multi-board assemblies, embedded processors, FPGA-based designs, and custom electronics, applying rigorous analytical methods to mature concepts into production-ready hardware.
• Provide expert guidance for hardware bring-up, functional testing, debug, iterative redesign, and system-level integration, including environmental qualification and performance characterization.
• Maintain comprehensive engineering documentation such as verification matrices, configuration management records, detailed test results, and full lifecycle development artifacts.
• Deliver clear and technically precise communication to internal engineering teams, external stakeholders, and mission partners to ensure alignment across rapid development cycles.
• Treat all coworkers with respect and dignity ensuring a collaborative culture is continually developed and maintained.
• Other duties as assigned**

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or other related STEM field; equivalent experience considered.

• Eight (8) years of engineering experience involving systems architecture, electronics development, requirements management, and system verification for complex hardware systems.
• Experience with systems engineering lifecycle tools such as DOORS, CRADLE, DevOps platforms, or equivalents.

• Proficient in Microsoft 365 for communication and collaboration.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Hands-on experience with microelectronics, high-density PCB design, and embedded computing hardware (preferably 3U VPX or similar ruggedized form factors).
• Strong background in high-speed digital design, power electronics, FPGA-based architectures, and/or AI compute modules (GPUs, ASICs, or accelerators).
• Experience developing and executing acceptance, qualification, and environmental tests for mission-critical hardware.
• Familiarity with modern PCB design workflows including schematic capture, layout, SI/PI analysis, and manufacturing release.
• Working knowledge of RF circuit design, high-rate data interfaces, and mixed-signal systems.
• Experience with full product lifecycle development for complex systems integrating electrical, mechanical, and software components.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods standing or walking on hard surfaces
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Sedentary Work - occasionally exerting up to 10 pounds of force to carry, lift, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves being stationary most of the time, sometimes requiring moving about the work center on concrete surfaces.
• Computer Work - daily use of laptop, computer monitor screen, keyboard, and mouse, sometimes utilizing a headset with microphone & speakers.

Travel Requirement

Ability to travel < 10%

Shift/Schedule

Onsite work Monday through Friday; day shift generally working 8am to 5pm

Drug-Free Workplace

Sidus Space is a Drug-Free Workplace where post-offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria are met as outlined in our policies

Total Rewards and Perks

At Sidus Space, we ask a lot of our team members, which is why we give so much in return. In addition to a competitive salary, a Best-in-Class benefit program with a generous employer paid portion as well as a matching 401(k) on Day ONE, we offer a lot of perks, including:

• Jeans every day
• Regular onsite food trucks
• 5 free company t-shirts for Manufacturing Staff
• Paid Time Off (vacation and sick days) and 11 paid holidays
• Adjustable stand-up desks
• Employee referral bonus program
• Educational assistance and professional training opportunities
• Company golf outings and other social events

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• All candidates selected will be subject to a background investigation and drug screen
• To conform to U.S. Government International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

SIDUS SPACE is an Equal Opportunity Employer fostering a respectful work culture that values all contributors. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Sidus Space’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at [email protected]