Director of Avionics Engineering

Director of Avionics EngineeringDepartment: AvionicsEmployment Type: Full TimeLocation: Hawthorne, CaliforniaReporting To: Jaret MatthewsCompensation: $190,000 - $250,000 / yearDescriptionVenturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity’s presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world-class team. As the Director of Avionics Engineering at Astrolab, you will oversee a talented team working on solutions for the FLIP, FLEX Rover, and FLEX LTVS, all contributing to our missions to the lunar surface and beyond.Key ResponsibilitiesDrive a technical team to execute system-level and component-level design for rovers and other assets, considering all environments and operational cases. The system may include power generation, power storage, power distribution, compute, motor control, command and data handling, sensing and perception systems, communication systems, robotic manipulators, illuminators, and other I/ORecruit, lead, and mentor a team of people leaders, responsible engineers, systems engineers, and analysts. Facilitate autonomy and growth opportunities while achieving exceptional resultsDevelop and manage budgets, operational risks, and technical risks to achieve Astrolab’s business objectivesFormulate program and technical strategies, including decisions to outsource NRE or to conduct in-house developmentDrive concurrent engineering between Avionics, Electromechanical, Vehicle Engineering, Software, GNC, Test, Reliability, and Production to optimize speed of execution while adhering to a rigorous design review processGuide the team through technical and programmatic milestone reviews, ensuring technical and programmatic successSkills, Knowledge and ExpertiseBachelor’s or master’s degree in STEM from an accredited institution7+ years of experience in space system development in a leadership role with direct reportsProven track record of delivering spaceflight hardware through the full design life cycle (design, test, qualification, launch, operation)Understanding of all failure modes of spaceflight electrical componentsStrong understanding of radiation effects on spaceflight electronicsExperience using Altium, E3, or equivalent design programsExposure to sensor and actuator calibration and characterization needs, methodologies, equipment, and proceduresExperience with instrumentation, sensors, and communication protocols, including DMMs, DAQ, function generators, oscilloscopes, DIO, GPIB, USB, RS-232/422/485, GigE, SPI, etc.Experience with system commands and data handling, I/O management, networking, and similar (or analogous experience)Strong understanding of environmental testing, such as shock/vibe, TVAC, burn-in, and its implications for electrical design. Preferred experience with SMC-S-016.Ability to lead in a dynamic and flexible environmentMust be able to communicate complex technical subjects to a variety of audiences succinctlyMust work well in fast-paced, interdisciplinary environmentsWhat We OfferJoin a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface explorationEquity ownership in the companyComprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support401(k) plan with company matchFlexible PTO and parental leaveHome office set up reimbursementFully flexible and remote friendly work environmentWeekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-siteTwice a month social hour on-site with food and drinks #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-17