Senior Electrical Engineer - Embedded Systems for Quantum in Space

We are seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer specializing in embedded system firmware and software to join our Emerging Technology team. This individual will be a key contributor in the development of embedded control systems design, build, integration, test, and qualification for operation of deployed quantum systems and sensors in space, terrestrial, and lab-based environments. Initially, this role will be in support of a technology demonstration mission in collaboration with NASA JPL/Goddard that will demonstrate a first-of-its-kind quantum gravity gradient (QGG) sensor on a dedicated satellite. The successful candidate will collaborate with an extended team of electrical engineers, physicists, mechanical engineers, embedded systems engineers, systems engineers, and sub vendors to develop high performance, radiation tolerant, and robust circuits critical to the operation of this exciting new quantum sensing capability demonstrator. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Execute engineering projects and deliver them on time and budget 

• Collaborate with engineers, physicists, and technicians to troubleshoot and debug existing circuit boards and control systems in use 

• Perform quality and performance analysis on new and legacy electrical systems 

• Work with other engineering disciplines on electrical, mechanical, and thermal interface requirements and design 

• Summarize data and report on test results 

• Provide estimates of resources needed to deliver successful projects on schedule and budget.  

• Manage and mentor peers and more junior team members to ensure project success 

• Communicating with key stakeholders on progress, barriers, and status 

• Other duties or projects as assigned to ensure mission success 

About the Team 

You’ll join a passionate and experienced team developing one of the world's first space-deployable quantum gravity sensors. This effort is foundational to future navigation, earth science, and resource exploration missions. 

Travel 

Up to 10% local travel may be required. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelors or master’s degree in Embedded Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent 

• At least four years of experience in a relevant industry or field 

• Highly proficient in at least one of the two following areas, proficiency in both areas preferred: 

• Embedded system firmware development in Rust. If you have relevant expertise but with C/C , you may still be successful in this role if you have interest in Rust and have some idea of how Rust can be used to rapidly develop safe and performant systems 

• FPGA development, specifically with Xilinx FPGAs, along with experience creating testbenches and verifying complex designs. Experience with Microblaze processors, or high-level synthesis/testing languages like SpinalHDL or cocotb is a plus. 

• Proficient in MS Office 

• Good verbal and written communication skills, able to effectively share information with technical and non-technical staff 

• Good collaboration skills, able to work in a team environment where engagement and participation are an expected part of successful job performance 

• Experience mentoring and managing more junior engineers 

• This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with space-deployed systems and the associated challenging vibration, thermal, and radiation environment  

• Experience with Contract Electronic Manufacturing 

• Experience mentoring and managing more junior engineers 

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements 
Work will normally be performed in an office and laboratory environment and around technical equipment including computers and lasers.  Able to sit, stand, bend, lift and carry up to 40 pounds without assistance.  Able to efficiently use automated office equipment such as laptops, copiers, and printers; able to effectively engage in communications (via phone, computer, or in-person).  Any required Personal Protective Equipment will be provided and must be properly used in accordance with company requirements. 

The targeted salary range for this role is $120,000 to 150,000 on an annualized basis plus eligibility to participate in our annual incentive plan.

In addition to your base compensation, we offer a generous Total Rewards program which includes:

• 100% company paid Employee coverage for Medical, Dental, Vision, and Short/Long Term Disability insurance programs
• Employer funded Health Savings Account
• Unlimited Paid Time Off
• 401(k) Matching Programs
• Company paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Flexible Healthcare Savings Account
• Paid FMLA Leave
• Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Employer Assistance Program
• Student Loan Repayment
• Equity Opporutnity

Equal Opportunity

Here you have freedom to embrace your whole self: who you love, your gender identity and expression, skin color, age, appearance, disability, neurodiversity, DNA, military/veteran status, citizenship, and other factors that make up who you are. Your uniqueness is valued, welcomed, and appreciated here. We are dedicated to providing a positive workplace and base all employment decisions on your qualifications, performance, merits, as well as business needs. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Contact Information

If this opportunity interests you and you fit the job description, please submit an application. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to disability, please feel free to contact us at hr@coldquanta.com.

Salary : $120 - $150