What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Hardware Engineer position at NewSpace Technical?
Principal Hardware / Electronics Engineer (Space Systems)
Location: Austin, Texas, United States
Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site
Package: Competitive Base Equity Benefits Flexible PTO
Are you a senior engineer ready to own high-stakes designs that power the future of space communications? Want to lead teams developing mission-critical electronics for spacecraft, satellites, and advanced aerospace platforms?
On offer is the opportunity to join a fast-growing space technology company at the forefront of digital and mixed-signal hardware innovation. You’ll take responsibility for complex electronics systems from concept through deployment—covering architecture, schematic, layout, analysis, bring-up, and production. At the Principal level, you’ll also provide technical leadership, guiding both designs and teams to deliver reliable, flight-ready hardware for extreme environments.
This role combines hands-on engineering with strategic influence. Your designs will directly shape next-generation phased array payloads, SDRs, avionics, and high-speed electronics. You’ll mentor engineers, drive technical excellence, and contribute subject matter expertise across the organization.
Key Responsibilities
- Own full-stack design of complex electronics modules and systems from concept to production.
- Lead teams of engineers developing advanced digital, RF, and power electronics hardware.
- Provide subject matter expertise across programs, guiding technical rigor and methodology.
- Develop system architectures and author detailed hardware requirements.
- Perform schematic design, component selection, and PCB layout (Altium Designer).
- Conduct detailed analysis, including worst-case circuit, signal integrity, and power integrity studies.
- Plan and execute bring-up and verification of modules and integrated systems.
- Release hardware to production in collaboration with manufacturing and test teams.
- Mentor junior and senior engineers, building technical depth and professional growth.
- Leverage cross-disciplinary knowledge (software, mechanical, systems) to optimize hardware architectures.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering.
- 9 years of experience in electronics design, analysis, and test.
- Proven track record of delivering complex board-level electronics through production.
- Expertise in high-reliability space or defense hardware, including derating, WCA, and thermal constraints.
- Advanced proficiency in PCB layout, manufacturing, and HDI stackup design.
- Strong background with SI/PI simulation tools (e.g., SIwave, ADS SIPro, Hyperlynx).
- Extensive lab experience with bring-up, verification, and specialized equipment.
- Strong knowledge of adjacent disciplines (software, mechanical) to guide system design.
- Expert-level proficiency in Altium and other electronics design tools.
- Must meet ITAR/EAR requirements (U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, Refugee, or Asylee).
Application Instructions
If you’re ready to lead the design and delivery of hardware that will shape the future of space communications, please click to apply or send your resume to jake.payne@newspacetechnical.com
