Senior Electrical Engineer - Spacecraft Power Supply

Approach Venture
San Francisco, California
Full Time

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Senior Electrical Engineer - Spacecraft Power Supply Senior Electrical Engineer - Spacecraft Power Supply

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Approach Venture | Advancing Frontier Tech with Top Talent

Electrical Engineer - Own the Design of Scalable Spacecraft Power Systems!

Opportunity Summary

A well-funded early-stage space company is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to take the lead on developing and delivering flight-ready power subsystems for next-generation spacecraft platforms. In this role, you'll be responsible for architecting and validating robust power electronics, including DC-DC converters, power distribution units, and energy storage systems, that serve as the electrical core of scalable orbital infrastructure. This is a rare opportunity to step in early, contribute to hardware that's already flying with real customers, and influence spacecraft power systems from first principles through production. You'll join a nimble, fast-growing team that's tackling the complexities of building space systems at scale. Our current work spans both commercial and government contracts, with a strong emphasis on modularity, reliability, and manufacturability. If you're looking for a high-impact role that blends deep technical ownership with hands-on engineering, this is your chance to shape the future of power systems in orbit.

About Us

We're designing a fundamentally new spacecraft architecture aimed at simplifying how satellites are built, deployed, and operated. Our compact, modular platform reimagines traditional bus systems, integrating power, control, and communications into a streamlined form factor built for mass production. With a growing portfolio of national security and commercial customers, and an experienced founding team drawn from top aerospace and technology companies, we are committed to solving the biggest bottlenecks in scalable space access, starting with intelligent, reliable power.

Job Duties

Lead the design and validation of spacecraft power subsystems including isolated/non-isolated DC-DC converters, power regulation networks, and distribution units
Own development of battery systems, including charge control, protection circuitry, and health monitoring
Implement MPPT (maximum Powerpoint tracking) techniques for solar array optimization
Create detailed schematics and multilayer PCB layouts using Altium or similar ECAD tools
Support bring-up, integration, and qualification of flight hardware including environmental and functional testing
Drive analysis of power budgets, efficiency trade-offs, and system-level energy strategies
Collaborate closely with avionics, mechanical, and Embedded software teams to ensure seamless power delivery across subsystems
Apply design standards for space-readiness including thermal limits, launch vibration, and radiation tolerance

Qualifications

BS or MS in Electrical Engineering or related technical field
3+ years of hands-on experience designing and testing power electronics or Embedded power systems
Solid foundation in analog design, switch-mode power supplies (SMPS), and energy storage technologies
Familiarity with simulation tools (LTspice, PLECS, etc.) and ECAD platforms (Altium, KiCAD, etc.)
Demonstrated ability to debug board-level issues and support system integration
Understanding of power reliability in harsh environments including thermal extremes and radiation
Comfortable operating independently in a fast-moving, mission-driven hardware environment

Preferred Experience

Previous design experience with flight-ready power systems for CubeSats, microsats, or space-rated electronics
Experience working with modular spacecraft platforms or scalable satellite bus architectures
Familiarity with lithium-ion battery chemistries and space-based charge control profiles
Exposure to government, dual-use, or national security-focused space programs
Prior work in early-stage startups with small, agile engineering teams

Why Join Us?

Lead development of core flight hardware from day one
Help shape the electrical and systems architecture of a new spacecraft platform
Collaborate with experienced engineers solving some of space's hardest problems
Opportunity to grow with a high-upside pre-seed startup already working with active customers
Equity in a growing space venture
Strong PTO policy
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Flexible and collaborative work environment

Seniority level

Seniority level Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Employment type Full-time

Job function

Job function Engineering, Information Technology, and Design
Industries Defense and Space Manufacturing, Space Research and Technology, and Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing

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