Cowboy Space – Head of Avionics

Official Role Description: Cowboy Space

Head of Avionics About Cowboy Space Corp.:Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit compute to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we’re unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth.Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We’re moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure.About the role:We are looking for a Head of Avionics to lead the design, development, and integration of avionics systems across our spacecraft platform. This role will own the architecture and execution of avionics systems, including flight computers and critical interfaces that enable control, communication, and power management on orbit.You will define systems that operate in real-time, safety-critical environments under strict constraints around power, thermal, and radiation, working closely with hardware, integration, and operation teams to deliver reliable and scalable systems.This is a critical leadership role with significant ownership over system architecture, team building, and execution.ResponsibilitiesDefine the technical vision and roadmap for avionics across spacecraft platformsOwn system architecture across avionics, hardware interfaces, and system integrationLead the design and development of avionics systems, peripheral interfaces, EMI/EMC, embedded architecture, and rapid integrated testing infrastructure.Build and lead a team of avionics engineers, setting technical direction and development standardsEnsure robust communication across subsystems and subsystem leadsDrive end-to-end development from concept through design, integration, validation, and flight readinessCollaborate cross-functionally with other spacecraft teams to ensure seamless system integrationEstablish testing, validation, and qualification strategies for avionics systems, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and simulation environmentsEnsure robust communication across subsystems and subsystem leadsOptimize systems for performance within constraints of power, thermal, and radiation environmentsGuide component selection, vendor partnerships, and manufacturing processes for avionics hardwareParticipate in system-level trade studies to balance performance, cost, mass, and powerRepresent avionics in design reviews (PDR, CDR) and executive-level discussionsBasic Qualifications10+ years of experience in avionics engineeringBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related fieldExperience designing and shipping embedded or avionics systems in production environmentsStrong background in one or more of the following:Real-time operating systems (RTOS)Microcontrollers, SoCs, or FPGA-based systemsHardware/software integrationExperience leading technical projects or engineering teams with increasing scope and ownershipStrong understanding of system architecture and embedded system design principlesPreferred QualificationsDesigned, built, and flown (or deployed) avionics or embedded systems for spacecraft or other mission-critical systemsDeep understanding of radiation effects (SEE, TID) and have implemented mitigation strategies at the system and component levelDesigned systems under aggressive SWaP constraints and made hard tradeoffs between performance, reliability, and resource usageHands-on experience bringing up and debugging hardware and embedded systems using common interfaces (SPI, I2C, CAN, UART, Ethernet, SpaceWire)Built and operated telemetry, command, and data handling (C&DH) systems in production or flight environmentsDeveloped and used HITL, simulation, and automated test systems to validate hardware and softwareBuilt systems requiring deterministic, real-time performance in safety-critical environmentsOwned systems end-to-end—from architecture through bring-up, integration, test, and deploymentBuilt and led high-performing teams that execute quickly and deliver hardware on tight timelinesWorked closely with GNC, RF, power, and other spacecraft teams to deliver fully integrated flight systemsCompensation and BenefitsThe salary range for this position is $200,000 – $250,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance401(k) retirement savings planPaid time off10 paid holidays per calendar yearPaid parental leaveRelocation assistance if applicableDaily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacksITAR RequirementsExport Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.DisclaimerThis job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.’s discretion.Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.