Principal Electrical Engineer I – Phased Array Unit Lead

Build the Next Generation of Space Communications

An innovative aerospace company at the forefront of satellite communications is looking for a Principal Electrical Engineer – Phased Array Unit Lead to drive the development of cutting-edge Ka-band Active Electronically Steered Array (AESA) technology.

This is a highly visible leadership role where you'll own the technical direction and execution of advanced spaceborne payloads from concept through flight qualification. Working alongside multidisciplinary engineering teams, you'll help deliver next-generation communications hardware that will power future satellite missions.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the technical development of advanced AESA payloads throughout the entire product lifecycle.
• Own system architecture, design, integration, environmental testing, qualification, and flight readiness.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams across RF, digital, power, mechanical, thermal, software, and systems engineering.
• Drive technical execution while maintaining responsibility for project schedules and key milestones.
• Develop payload control architectures, internal interfaces, firmware integration, and command & telemetry strategies.
• Lead environmental qualification activities including thermal vacuum (TVAC), vibration, shock, EMC, and acceptance testing.
• Ensure products transition successfully into production with a strong focus on manufacturability and testability.
• Produce and maintain technical documentation including requirements, ICDs, verification plans, risk registers, and design review packages.
• Partner with manufacturing, mission assurance, systems engineering, suppliers, and customers to deliver successful programs.
• Lead technical trade studies, risk mitigation, root cause investigations, and anomaly resolution.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 9+ years of experience developing complex electronic hardware.
• Strong experience with active phased array antennas (AESA).
• Expertise in board-level RF electronics and antenna design.
• Experience with power electronics and digital support circuitry.
• Hands-on experience testing active antenna systems, including EIRP and G/T measurements.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering, verification & validation, requirements management, and configuration control.
• Excellent communication and technical leadership skills.

Preferred Experience

• Flight qualification and environmental testing (TVAC, vibration, shock, EMC).
• Hardware/software product development leadership.
• Radiation-tolerant electronic design.
• High-frequency antenna development, particularly Ka-band.
• Experience as a Responsible Engineer, Technical Lead, IPT Lead, or Chief Engineer.
• Experience supporting production readiness and manufacturing.
• NewSpace or commercial space industry experience.
• Passion for mentoring engineers and leading technical teams in a fast-paced environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Equity/stock options.
• Annual bonus opportunity.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• HSA & FSA options.
• Life and disability insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Generous paid time off.

Eligibility

Due to U.S. export control regulations, applicants must be a U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), Conditional Resident, Asylee, Refugee, or otherwise eligible to obtain the required U.S. Government authorizations.

If you're passionate about developing advanced space hardware, leading world-class engineering teams, and shaping the future of satellite communications, we'd love to hear from you.