Principal Electrical Engineer - Spacecraft - Approach Venture LLC : Job Details

Principal Electrical Engineer - Help Build the World's First Reusable Satellite Platform! Denver, CO | Onsite Opportunity Summary A well-funded startup at the forefront of space infrastructure is rethinking the way we access and operate in orbit. This team is developing a reusable satellite platform capable of controlled reentry and recovery, a groundbreaking innovation that unlocks entirely new mission possibilities for defense, R&D, in-space manufacturing, and more. As a Principal Electrical Engineer, you'll lead the end-to-end development of spacecraft power and avionics systems, working hands-on with embedded firmware, radiation-tolerant designs, and system-level architecture. This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of mission-critical systems on a program that has the potential to redefine how satellites are built, used, and recovered. About Us We're an early-stage space startup designing and building the first satellite system that returns safely back to Earth, turning space from a one-way trip into a round-trip service. By separating payload development from the satellite platform and enabling high-cadence reuse, we are solving two of the most critical bottlenecks in space: long lead times and throwaway architecture. Our approach is already unlocking new mission profiles in national security, advanced materials research, and orbital manufacturing. Job Duties

• Design and implement spacecraft power distribution and energy storage systems
• Architect the electrical and avionics layout for modular and reusable satellite platforms
• Develop embedded firmware for power management and subsystem integration
• Select, evaluate, and integrate both off-the-shelf and custom-designed electronics
• Drive PCBA design for reliability in radiation-prone environments
• Lead system-level trade studies and technical reviews across cross-functional teams
• Collaborate closely with mechanical and thermal engineers to meet mission constraints
• Qualify components and subsystems for spaceflight under aggressive development timelines
• Support recruitment and team-building efforts within the electrical group

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field
• 7+ years of engineering experience, with a focus on power systems for spacecraft or other high-reliability environments
• Strong background in embedded systems and firmware development (C/C++)
• Experience with board design, layout, and manufacturing for mission-critical systems
• Familiarity with system-level integration and debugging under flight-like conditions
• Hands-on experience bringing space-rated electronics through flight validation
• Track record of operating in fast-paced, hardware-first development environments

Preferred Experience

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering
• Experience with radiation-hardened or radiation-tolerant electronics
• Background in digital design or FPGA development
• Knowledge of standards such as SMC-S-016, EEE-INST-002, or similar
• Previous experience working in an early-stage aerospace or hardware startup

Why Join Us

• Help pioneer a reusable satellite platform with real-world mission impact
• Shape a future where payloads are returned, analyzed, and iterated faster than ever
• Join a team that values autonomy, speed, and deep technical ownership
• Collaborate with industry veterans from top aerospace companies and institutions
• Dynamic work environment with fast decision-making cycles
• Equity participation in a high-growth venture

Compensation Details $150,000 - $200,000 #LI-AV