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Senior Spacecraft Engineer Verified today

Cowboy Space · Kent, WA · Space Systems · first seen 2026-07-16
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About Cowboy Space

Cowboy Space Corporation is building infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. We design modular, scalable satellites that collect sunlight in Low Earth Orbit for multiple integrated applications: transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit high-performance computing clusters, and providing secure, high-bandwidth optical data transport.

The Role

You will design, build, and integrate the core systems that power our satellite platform. Working across spacecraft subsystems including structures, power, thermal, and avionics, you will develop reliable, high-performance systems that operate in the harsh environment of space. This is a high-growth role with the opportunity to gain ownership quickly and work closely with a multidisciplinary team spanning software, electrical, optical, and mechanical engineering.

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and integrate spacecraft subsystems, including structures, power, thermal, and avionics
  • Own components of the spacecraft architecture, from early design through integration and test
  • Perform system-level trade studies to optimize performance, mass, power, and reliability
  • Support development of spacecraft layouts, CAD models, and system schematics
  • Plan and execute integration and test campaigns, including subsystem and full vehicle testing
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation, including requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), and test plans
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with software, electrical, optical, and GNC teams to ensure system-level performance
  • Support environmental testing and validation, including thermal-vacuum, vibration, and EMI/EMC testing
  • Participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR) and contribute to system-level decision making

Basic Qualifications

  • 3-5 years of experience in spacecraft, aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering (internships and relevant projects count)
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
  • Experience with spacecraft subsystems (structures, power, thermal, avionics, or similar)
  • Familiarity with design tools in your field
  • Exposure to one or more of the following: spacecraft design or satellite systems, hardware integration and testing, thermal or structural analysis, embedded or avionics systems
  • Strong fundamentals in engineering analysis, system design, and problem-solving
  • Eagerness to learn and operate in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working on spacecraft or aerospace vehicle development programs (internship, academic, or industry)
  • Hands-on experience with hardware integration, assembly, and testing
  • Familiarity with environmental testing (thermal-vacuum, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC)
  • Experience performing trade studies and system-level optimization
  • Exposure to power systems, thermal systems, or structural analysis in aerospace applications
  • Familiarity with GNC systems, orbital mechanics, or mission design considerations
  • Experience with CAD, FEA, or thermal modeling tools (e.g., ANSYS, Thermal Desktop)
  • Experience working on high-reliability or safety-critical systems with strong validation practices
  • Demonstrated ability to take ownership of complex engineering problems from concept through testing
  • Prior experience at a space, aerospace, or deep tech organization
  • Strong interest in space systems, energy infrastructure, and building novel orbital capabilities

Compensation and Benefits

  • Salary: $150,000-$200,000 annually
  • Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • Paid time off
  • 10 paid holidays per calendar year
  • Paid parental leave
  • Relocation assistance if applicable
  • Daily lunch in the office and fully stocked kitchen

ITAR Requirements

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.