What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Avionics Engineer position at Approach Venture?
Lead Avionics Engineer – Drive Next-Generation Spacecraft Systems!
El Segundo, CA | On-site
Opportunity Summary
A seed-stage deep-tech startup is developing next-generation platforms that enable mobility, maneuverability, and in-space resource capability for a wide range of orbital missions. The company is focused on advancing spacecraft performance through novel propulsion and onboard systems, supporting missions that require reliability in demanding orbital environments. The engineering team brings experience across spacecraft development, launch systems, and high-reliability hardware programs, and the company is entering a rapid build and test phase. As a Lead Avionics Engineer, you will own the avionics and electronic system architecture across the spacecraft platform. You will guide design decisions from concept through hardware bring-up and flight readiness, working across flight computers, power systems, communications, and supporting electronics. This role is built for someone who wants to take true ownership, move quickly, and help shape the technical direction of a company that is building hardware to operate in some of the most complex mission environments in space.
About Us
We are a venture-backed space technology startup building high-performance spacecraft platforms that support in-space mobility and future propellant generation capabilities. Our mission is to expand what is possible in orbit by pairing advanced propulsion with tightly integrated spacecraft systems. Operating from Southern California, we combine a first-principles engineering culture with a fast-moving startup mindset, giving engineers real ownership over design, testing, and mission execution.
Job Duties
$175,000 - $215,000
El Segundo, CA | On-site
Opportunity Summary
A seed-stage deep-tech startup is developing next-generation platforms that enable mobility, maneuverability, and in-space resource capability for a wide range of orbital missions. The company is focused on advancing spacecraft performance through novel propulsion and onboard systems, supporting missions that require reliability in demanding orbital environments. The engineering team brings experience across spacecraft development, launch systems, and high-reliability hardware programs, and the company is entering a rapid build and test phase. As a Lead Avionics Engineer, you will own the avionics and electronic system architecture across the spacecraft platform. You will guide design decisions from concept through hardware bring-up and flight readiness, working across flight computers, power systems, communications, and supporting electronics. This role is built for someone who wants to take true ownership, move quickly, and help shape the technical direction of a company that is building hardware to operate in some of the most complex mission environments in space.
About Us
We are a venture-backed space technology startup building high-performance spacecraft platforms that support in-space mobility and future propellant generation capabilities. Our mission is to expand what is possible in orbit by pairing advanced propulsion with tightly integrated spacecraft systems. Operating from Southern California, we combine a first-principles engineering culture with a fast-moving startup mindset, giving engineers real ownership over design, testing, and mission execution.
Job Duties
- Lead avionics architecture, design, qualification, and integration across the spacecraft platform
- Develop flight-ready electronics from concept through system integration and mission operations
- Translate operational needs into technical requirements and system-level trade studies
- Design and prototype flight computers, power distribution, networking, and comms hardware
- Perform structured debugging, fault isolation, and root-cause investigations
- Build hardware-in-the-loop test environments and validation frameworks
- Ensure reliability, testability, and compliance across mission-critical systems
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or related field
- 5 years of experience designing avionics or space-grade electronics
- Direct experience delivering flight-qualified or mission-critical electronic systems
- Familiarity with government, aerospace, or industry hardware standards
- Hands-on background in circuit design, debugging, and test equipment use
- Proficiency with PCB design tools such as Altium or similar platforms
- Strong system-level troubleshooting capability across hardware and software interfaces
- Experience working in fast-paced engineering environments with significant ownership
- Strong technical foundation supported by first-principles problem solving
- Avionics or electronics work on spacecraft, launch vehicles, satellites, or deep-tech platforms
- Experience supporting integration, environmental testing, or qualification campaigns
- Background working with space-relevant system constraints such as radiation tolerance, thermal limits, EMI/EMC, or mission reliability engineering
- Experience with PCB layout and schematic design tools beyond basic use
- Familiarity with aerospace standards including MIL-spec, ECSS, or NASA-derived guidelines
- Prior exposure to early-stage startup environments or small engineering teams
- High-ownership role with direct impact on flight hardware
- Opportunity to help shape the architecture of next-generation spacecraft systems
- Tight-knit, high-caliber team working on complex and meaningful technology
- Build in an environment where decision-making is fast and engineering leads the way
$175,000 - $215,000
Salary : $175,000 - $215,000