Sr. Communications Payload Avionics Engineer in Long Beach, California at SPINLAUNCH Inc

SpinLaunch is building Meridian, a next-generation broadband constellation designed to deliver high-capacity, low-latency connectivity to users around the globe. Backed by leading venture capital and engineering partners, we are rapidly scaling the design, production, and deployment of the satellites and ground systems that will bring Meridian online. Joining the Meridian team means working at the forefront of one of the most ambitious commercial space programs underway today — designing, building, and operating spacecraft that will reshape global connectivity. You'll be part of a close-knit, collaborative team that thrives in a fast-paced, innovative environment, where your work directly advances a constellation that millions will depend on.

Your Mission on the Team:

You are responsible for the design and development of the satellite communication payload avionics of the Meridian Space constellation. This includes radio systems, antenna signal interfaces, waveguide design, and antenna and radio control systems. As part of a small team tackling ambitious challenges, you’ll take full ownership of the end-to-end success of your hardware in orbit - driving every aspect of development, from design to fully-integrated, space-ready systems. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Designing and developing communication payload avionics systems, including RF front-ends, transceivers, modems, and antenna interfaces
• Developing and reviewing hardware schematics, PCB layouts, and embedded control architectures for communication electronics
• Leading integration, testing, and qualification of payload avionics at subsystem and system levels (EMC, vibration, thermal, etc.)
• Participating in failure analysis, root cause investigations, and continuous improvement of communication hardware designs
• Performing link budget analysis, system modeling, and simulation for space-to-ground and inter-satellite communication links

Basic Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
• Minimum of 4 years of broad experience doing RF/Analog circuit design and board layout using the relevant tools
• General electrical hardware design experience (Power, DC, digital design)
• Experience modeling, designing, and testing radio subsystems, preferably for satellite payloads and at a system level
• Proficiency in hardware design tools (Altium Designer, Cadence, or equivalent)
• Experience using HFSS, CST, or similar RF simulation tools
• Ability to perform bench-level analog/power bring-up and troubleshooting using analog and digital test equipment like spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and vector signal generators
• Strong understanding of modulation schemes, RF architectures, and signal integrity principles
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with RF component characterization
• Experience with LEO/MEO/GEO satellite communication payloads
• Understanding of radiation effects and mitigation techniques in space environments
• Experience designing, manufacturing, and testing space flight hardware
• Antenna or satellite system design experience
• Expertise in automating test equipment
• Experience using analytical methods for signal integrity analysis

ITAR Requirements

SpinLaunch is required by the U.S. Government to comply with various space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (“green card holder”) or a protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. More information on ITAR can be found here.

SpinLaunch is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Each individual has the right to work in a professional environment that promotes equal employment opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices, including harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.