Astrolab builds rovers, power systems, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon. As an Avionics Systems Engineer you own the vehicle-level electrical architecture of planetary rovers — defining requirements, power distribution, data networks, and harnessing, then carrying designs through trades, verification testing, integration, and launch/lunar-surface operations.
Astrolab is The Lunar Operations Company. We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on — rovers, power, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon. We are focused on the problems that must be solved before the next chapter of human exploration can scale. The Moon does not forgive untested assumptions. The people who work here know that, and they wouldn't have it any other way.
As an Avionics Systems Engineer at Astrolab, you will define the requirements, architecture, and implementation of avionics systems on our planetary rovers. You will own the electrical architecture at the vehicle level, spanning power distribution, data networks, harnessing, and the interfaces between avionics units, and you will represent the avionics team in vehicle-level trades with mechanical, software, and thermal teams. You will serve as Responsible Engineer for avionics system design and performance, carrying it from requirements definition through integration, verification, and operations on the lunar surface. This posting covers entry-level through staff-level positions, and leveling will be commensurate with experience.
Architecture & Requirements: Define avionics system architecture and electrical architecture at the vehicle level, including power distribution, grounding, data networks, and harnessing. Write, flow down, and verify requirements at the system and component level
System Trades: Lead design trades and sensitivity studies to select architectures that are robust, fault-tolerant, and meet mission requirements. Represent the avionics team in vehicle-level trades with mechanical, software, and thermal teams
Interfaces: Create and maintain technical documentation including system diagrams, schematics, interface control documents, procedures, and test and anomaly reports. Own electrical interfaces between avionics units, payloads, and ground systems
Verification & Test: Develop design verification, qualification, and acceptance test plans, and coordinate with avionics hardware, manufacturing, and test engineers to execute them. Help develop and operate HIL testbeds to verify functionality before vehicle integration
Integration & Operations: Support assembly, integration, and test (AIT), write and execute vehicle-level electrical functional validation procedures, and support launch campaigns and lunar surface operations
Anomaly Resolution: Support integration testing, production issue dispositions, and troubleshooting of failures, using root cause techniques such as fault tree and fishbone analysis, and manage overall avionics system risk
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) related field
Experience with aerospace component or system development, testing, integration, or operations
Experience with electrical test equipment including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, signal generators, electronic loads, and multimeters, and the ability to interpret electrical schematics
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with spacecraft or launch vehicle avionics systems design, development, production, test, and operations
Experience with requirements writing, flow-down, and verification using systems engineering tools and processes
Experience performing trade studies and sensitivity studies to select the best architecture option
Experience with spacecraft power system engineering, including power budgeting, distribution, and grounding architecture
Experience with digital communication protocols and vehicle networks including RS-422, RS-485, CAN, or Ethernet
Experience with HIL testbed system development, and programming in Python, C, or C++ for test and automation
Familiarity with FMECA, fault tolerance and isolation design, and failure modes of spaceflight electrical components
Familiarity with SMC-S-016, MIL-STD-810, or other environmental testing standards, including shock, thermal, burn-in, TVAC, vibration, and EMI/EMC testing
For senior and staff levels: experience leading development of avionics architectures for current and future vehicles, developing schedules and system-level test and operations plans, and mentoring engineers
Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
Equity ownership in the company
Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
401(k) plan with company match
Flexible PTO and parental leave
Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks