Avionics Systems Engineer

About the role

Join the Starship team to manage vehicle avionics throughout the entire lifecycle, from initial production and testing to launch and recovery. You will work in a cross-functional environment to design, troubleshoot, and operate critical electrical systems for the next generation of space exploration. This position places you at the heart of mission-critical decision making where your work directly influences flight outcomes. You will own the end-to-end integrity of avionics systems, ensuring they meet stringent performance and safety standards. The role demands a proactive mindset capable of diagnosing complex issues under intense time constraints. You will partner closely with propulsion, guidance, and software teams to align avionics strategies with overall vehicle objectives. Your contributions will be instrumental in advancing the reliability and efficiency of spaceflight operations.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Manage the avionics system through all phases of production, integration, and launch readiness.
• Identify, diagnose, and fix electrical hardware issues in a high-speed production setting while implementing improvements to prevent recurring problems.
• Serve as an avionics operator during pad and flight operations to monitor vehicle health and resolve technical challenges in real time.
• Collaborate with other teams to design new avionics architectures that reduce mass, labor, and overall costs.
• Perform detailed analysis of system-level interactions to ensure avionics components function cohesively within the broader vehicle framework.
• Develop and execute test procedures that validate the functionality and resilience of avionics hardware under simulated flight conditions.
• Maintain meticulous records of tests, findings, and modifications to support traceability and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Interface directly with manufacturing teams to ensure production processes adhere to strict avionics specifications and quality standards.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and methodologies to enhance the capability and efficiency of avionics systems.
• Support the creation of technical documentation that clearly communicates system designs, processes, and procedures to diverse stakeholders.
• Lead root cause investigations for anomalies, utilizing a systematic approach to isolate variables and confirm corrective actions.
• Mentor junior engineers by providing guidance on best practices for avionics integration and system verification.
• Contribute to the establishment of standardized testing protocols that improve consistency and reliability across projects.
• Drive the implementation of automation in testing regimes to increase coverage and reduce manual effort.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in math, science, or an engineering discipline.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in system-level testing, electronic component design, or system-level integration, including relevant internships or collegiate projects.
• Minimum 1 year of experience using Python, C++, or Matlab.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee to comply with ITAR regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to understand complex systems and translate requirements into technical solutions.
• Strong analytical skills to assess problems and devise effective strategies within constrained timelines.
• Capacity to work independently and as part of a collaborative team in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to adhere to strict safety and quality protocols essential for aerospace operations.
• Physical ability to perform duties in a facility environment that may involve extended periods of standing or working in technical spaces.
• Commitment to maintaining a high level of professionalism and communication with peers and stakeholders.
• Readiness to adapt to evolving project needs and shifting priorities without compromising performance standards.
• Knowledge of fundamental principles in electronics, control systems, and signal processing.
• Willingness to comply with all company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Nice to have

• Proficiency with electrical test hardware such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, and multimeters.
• Experience troubleshooting actuators, sensors, and electrical components.
• Ability to make technical decisions with incomplete data and assess risks effectively.
• Experience with 3D CAD software.
• Ability to automate analysis or test tasks through software.
• Experience in high-consequence real-time operations, such as piloting or flight testing.

Skills & tools

• Python, C++, Matlab
• 3D CAD
• Electrical test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies)

Practical notes

• Pay range: Level I ($100,000 to $120,000 per year) and Level II ($115,000 to $135,000 per year).
• Compensation includes potential long-term incentives like stock options or cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance, disability insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks of vacation, and 10+ paid holidays.
• Expect frequent weekend work and extended hours to meet mission milestones.
• Occasional travel to other company facilities is required.