Electrical & Power Systems Engineer

Systems Engineer – Electrical & PowerOur Client: A confidential, early-stage U.S. space company developing modular autonomous space stationsFocus Areas: EPS, RF Communications & SWIS Electrical ArchitectureLocation: Washington, DC Metro Area | Full-Time, On-SiteSponsorship: U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident required (ITAR-controlled environment)The CompanyOur client is an early-stage U.S. space company developing modular autonomous space stations. Headquartered in the Washington, DC metro area, they are building a lean, highly skilled engineering team. This is an opportunity to join a company reimagining how spacecraft and space systems are designed, deployed, and operated — at the frontier of the industry.The TeamOur client's engineering team is highly skilled and mission-driven. This hire will be one of the first engineers on the team, working directly with the CTO and Chief Engineer. At this stage, the role will not come with a narrow task list. After the closure of the company's next funding round, this person will be in charge of managing a team of engineers and specialists across the following domains: Electrical Power architecture and RF/Communication Systems.Your RoleThis is a triple-domain engineering role. The candidate will serve as the technical lead for both the Electrical Power System and the RF/Communications system, and as Program Manager for critical IP assets.Electrical Power System (EPS)Develop and maintain the system-level power budget across all mission phases (orbit, eclipse, contingency, peak demand)Design the core bus EPS: solar array sizing, battery selection and management, power distribution architecture (PCDU)Define solar panel accommodation approach including attitude trade-offs with power generationLead design and development of the power transfer subsystemSelect and qualify EPS components: solar cells, batteries, PCDUs; define EPS ICDs and V&V test plansInterface with the mechanical/thermal engineer for battery and solar panel thermal managementRF & CommunicationsDesign and develop the core bus communication system (S-band and/or UHF TC/TM link to ground)Perform link budget analysis for all communication modes: nominal, LEOP, and contingencyLead design and development of the interface data communication subsystem — intra-spacecraft wireless data link between bus and payload modulesDefine the security architecture for the satellite communications chainDesign the satellite electrical architecture: power distribution, harness routing, and EMC/EMI managementCoordinate with the ground segment on antenna patterns, frequency coordination, and regulatory licensing (ITU/FCC)Support AIT for EPS and RF systems: functional testing, battery conditioning, link testing, and solar array deploymentUse simulation tools to validate communications system performance, electrical architecture, and electromagnetic compatibility: RF and antenna modelling in Ansys HFSS or CST Microwave Studio, EMC/EMI analysis in Ansys EMC Plus, power system simulation in MATLAB/Simulink or PSIM, and link budget verification tools (STK Communications or equivalent)Your QualificationsRequiredM.S. or B.S. in Electrical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering7+ years of experience spanning both spacecraft EPS design and RF/communications systemsExperience sizing solar arrays and battery systems for LEO spacecraft and performing power budget analysisDemonstrated experience performing link budget analysis for space-to-ground communication linksFamiliarity with space communication standards (CCSDS, DVB-S2, or equivalent)Knowledge of PCDU architecture, battery charge/discharge management, and EMC/EMI design practicesU.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent ResidentPreferredExperience with wireless power transfer technology (inductive or resonant coupling)Experience with wireless intra-spacecraft or short-range RF link designKnowledge of COMSEC or cryptographic systems for space applicationsFamiliarity with FCC/ITU frequency coordination processesExperience with spacecraft-level electrical and RF testingExperience with Ansys HFSS for 3D full-wave electromagnetic simulation: antenna design and characterisation, waveguide and connector modelling, and near/far-field radiation pattern analysis for spacecraft RF systemsExperience with Ansys EMC Plus (or equivalent such as CST Studio Suite) for system-level EMC/EMI analysis: conducted and radiated emission modelling, shielding effectiveness, and cable harness coupling assessment on spacecraft electrical architecturesFamiliarity with power electronics simulation tools (PSIM, PLECS, or MATLAB/Simulink Power Systems Toolbox) for EPS and PCDU modelling; experience with STK Communications module or equivalent for link budget and antenna coverage validationThe Person We're Looking ForSomeone comfortable moving between a power budget spreadsheet and an RF link budget in the same week. Someone who understands that on a small team, the electrical and communications domains are deeply intertwined. A self-starter who thrives in fast-paced environments.Compensation & BenefitsBase salary: Competitive with early-stage aerospace startups, commensurate with experienceEquity: Meaningful founding-team equity grant with standard 4-year vesting / 1-year cliffBenefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; flexible PTO; 401(k) match and vestingOur client is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.