Senior Avionics Engineer Verified today

Inversion Space · Playa Vista, CA · Electronics · first seen 2026-09-23

About the Role

As Senior Avionics Engineer, you will be personally responsible for the architecture and implementation of core avionics elements for Inversion's next-generation reentry vehicles. You will report directly to the Engineering Manager, Avionics and help define the foundation of Inversion's avionics architecture while setting technical standards for future team growth.

What You'll Own

  • Develop complete avionics systems including architecture, design, integration, and verification from concept through delivery of qualified hardware
  • Lead technical execution of avionics hardware builds including PCB design, harnessing, embedded systems, and environmental qualification
  • Develop, lead, and own digital, analog, and mixed-signal circuit board designs
  • Collaborate with propulsion, guidance and control, thermal and software teams to ensure seamless integration
  • Implement robust design and test processes that ensure reliability and safety
  • Qualify designs through environmental testing including vibration, shock, thermal cycling (TCYC), and thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing
  • Coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders on component selection, testing, and delivery schedules
  • Lead and present trade studies to shape architecture and design
  • Maintain accurate design documentation, test plans, and reports
  • Contribute to flight software architecture design

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
  • Typically 5+ years of professional experience in design, build, and test cycle for satellite and spacecraft flight computer hardware
  • Proficiency executing thorough mixed-signal and digital circuit simulations
  • Demonstrated ability designing PCBAs using Altium Designer or other board design software
  • Hands-on work implementing mixed-signal PCBs with digital communications (UART, I2C, SPI, RS422, RS485, CAN, PCIe, Ethernet, etc.)
  • Background in fault-tolerant and failover-capable electronics design
  • Proven ability designing test systems and developing test plans for multidisciplinary systems
  • Strong understanding of requirements, systems design, and test methods for space, launch, and reentry environments including thermal, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC, and radiation
  • Proficient using common laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, spectrum analyzers, and data acquisition systems
  • Proven track record of delivering high-visibility designs resulting from rigorous methodology
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance

Desired Qualifications

  • Background in high-reliability and safety-critical systems for spacecraft or automotive applications
  • Knowledge of radiation-hardened or rad-tolerant system design
  • Demonstrated ability implementing advanced microprocessors and support structures including DRAM, power distribution, NAND flash, and other peripherals
  • Understanding of unique design requirements for long-duration orbital missions
  • Knowledge of common spacecraft ADCS sensors and propulsion components (star trackers, reaction wheels, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), pressure transducers, solenoid valves, etc.)
  • Experience with video system development and integration
  • Proficiency with software and scripting languages such as C/C++, Python, or Rust
  • Proficiency with RTL languages such as VHDL or Verilog
  • Prior work in startups and small independent teams

Compensation and Location

California annual base salary: $137,000-$193,000. Individual pay determined on a case-by-case basis based on role, level, location, market data, interviews, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, and internal equity.

This position requires in-office presence in Playa Vista, CA.

ITAR Compliance

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations including ITAR, you 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 required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.