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Senior Staff Electrical Engineer Payload

CesiumAstro

Job Location:

Westminster, CA - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 184000 - 225000

Posted: 6 October 2026 (Yesterday)

Application Deadline: 3 January 2027

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Please Note:To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations the applicant must be a U.S. citizen lawful permanent resident of the U.S. conditional resident asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

AtCesiumAstro we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites UAVs launch vehicles and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment which allows us to learn develop and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on interactive and autonomous work CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate collaborative energetic and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

We are seeking a highly skilledSenior Staff Electrical Engineerto lead the design development integration test and flight qualification of advanced spaceborne payloads.

This post focuses on the role of Payload Lead Engineer (aka Responsible Engineer) in our Phased Array product line focusing on Ka-band Active Electronically Steered Arrays (AESAs). CesiumAstro AESAs are state-of-the-art electronics assemblies consisting of an antenna element array RF electronics digital array control and power conversion engineered into a single box using a modular but optimized approach.

The Payload Lead is responsible for the technical development of a new payload product consisting of a phased array (AESA) and a processing unit (RPU). This combines deep multi-disciplinary technical accountability with responsibility for on-time schedule execution.

The Payload Lead is the leader of the multidisciplinary technical team the primary point of contact for the program manager and often a key interface point for our customers. Success in this role requires deep expertise in technical topics as well as project management leadership and communication in a fast-paced startup environment.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Serve as thePayload Lead Engineer and primary technical point of contact for the payload throughout the product development lifecycle.
Lead theend-to-end engineering effortfor the payload including architecture design prototyping integration test environmental qualification and flight readiness.
Coordinate and direct Unit Leads developing AESA and RPU boxes for the payload as well as engineers working directly on the combined payload.
Hold schedule accountability for the payload development.
Develop and reviewpayload control schemes internal data interfaces command & telemetry architecture and firmware/software integration as needed.
Manage allflight qualification activities including environmental test planning (thermal vacuum vibration shock EMC) margin assessment and final acceptance testing.
Own the transition to volume production including manufacturability testability and customer-facing documentation.
Generate and maintain payload-level documentation: requirements ICDs block diagrams test plans verification matrices risk registers and design reviews.
Interface with spacecraft systems engineering mission assurance manufacturing vendors and test facilities.
Driveroot cause analysis anomaly resolution and technical risk mitigation throughout development and test campaigns.
Communicate status technical trades risks and design decisions to internal leadership and external customers.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelors degree or higher in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
12 years of engineering experiencein electronics hardware development.
Hands-on experience withrelated technologies such as active phased array antennas.
Expertise in antennas and board-level RF electronics.
Strong familiarity with power/digital support circuitry and design for manufacturability.
Leadership experience including mentoring or leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Strong knowledge of systems engineering practices requirements flowdown verification/validation and configuration management.
Excellent communication skills with ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

Proven experience executing or overseeingflight qualificationand environmental test campaigns (TVAC vib/shock EMC radiation considerations).
Experience testing active antennas including measuring EIRP and G/T.
Experience managing hardware/software product development projects.
Experience withradiation-tolerant design.
Experience withhigh-rate manufacturing rapid development cycles and/or NewSpace ecosystems.
Prior role as aResponsible Engineer Technical Lead IPT Lead or Chief Engineeron flight hardware.
Experience in high-frequency antenna design e.g. Ka band.
Experience mentoring less-experienced project engineers and design engineers in associated discipline
High energy and a get it done attitude

$184000 - $225000 a year

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer including but not limited to the role and associated responsibilities a candidates work experience education/training and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health dental vision HSA FSA life disability and retirement plans.

CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard torace color religion sex national origin disability protected Veteran Status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal state or local law.

Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process such as reviewing applications analyzing resumes or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed please contact us.

Required Experience:

Staff IC

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