SENIOR AVIONICS HARDWARE ENGINEER
Your Mission
Take full ownership of LEAP’s flight electronics from the conceptual design of the flight computer and sensor suites to final integration and environmental qualification. You will collaborate closely with the flight software, propulsion, structures and test teams to ensure a robust and fault-tolerant avionics system.
How You Will Make An Impact
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Architect and Design: Develop the rocket’s electronics architecture (flight computer, power distribution, sensor interfaces) from the ground up, ensuring reliability in flight conditions
- Select and Integrate: Evaluate and choose critical components (MCUs/SoCs, sensors, radios, connectors), and integrate them into a cohesive avionics system
- Board Design and Fabrication: Own schematic capture, PCB layout, fabrication and vendor coordination. Conduct thorough bench testing, rework, and bring-up
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Environmental Testing and Qualification: Write and execute test plans (thermal, vibration, EMI/EMC) to qualify hardware for rocket flight. Interpret data, troubleshoot issues, and iterate designs
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Collaboration: Work closely with the Flight Software and GNC Engineers to define data protocols, ensure sensor readings are accurate, and support hardware-in-the-loop test setups
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Documentation and Mentorship: Create and maintain thorough documentation, BOMs, harness drawings, and bring-up guides. As the team grows, serve as a mentor for junior avionics engineers and technicians
What You Bring to the Team
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5+ years of professional experience in avionics hardware design or a closely related field such as high-reliability embedded electronics in aerospace
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Proficiency in PCB design tools (e.g., Altium, KiCad) and hardware bring-up (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power measurement)
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Experience with environmental qualification (thermal, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC) for flight or similarly harsh environments
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Demonstrated self-direction and ability to make critical technical decisions in ambiguous settings
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Strong fundamentals in electronics theory (analog/digital circuits, power regulation, noise mitigation)
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Excellent communication skills: able to explain trade-offs to non-avionics team members and produce clear documentation
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Deep ownership experience: successfully led electronics projects from concept through production/qualification with minimal oversight
Bonus Points
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Direct experience building rocket avionics or other high-altitude/hypersonic vehicles
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Knowledge of RF systems (telemetry, communication links), antenna selection, or GNSS hardware integration
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Experience with FPGA-based designs, time-critical or high-bandwidth data acquisition
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Previous startup or small-team environment success, comfortable wearing multiple hats (supply chain interface, lab test setups, etc.).
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A track record of mentoring junior hardware engineers or technicians.
Compensation
Salary Range: $120,000 - $175,000
The estimated salary range for this role reflects various compensation factors. The final offer depends on factors such as work experience, education, training, key skills, and business needs. In addition, LEAP provides a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, which includes:
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Equity Program: As an early team member, LEAP’s equity plan gives you a stake in the company’s success, aligning your contributions with long-term growth.
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Retirement Planning: Save for the future with a 401(k) plan that includes competitive company matching.
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Growth Opportunities: Take advantage of a professional development stipend to advance your skills and expertise.
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Flexible Time Off: Enjoy PTO as needed and holiday breaks to help you balance work and life, including two week long company winter breaks and paid leave to support a family member, bond with a new child, or manage your own health needs
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Remote Work Flexibility: Our team operates on a hybrid model. We expect you to work with your team for specific details on work location.
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Health Benefits: LEAP provides comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage at minimal to no cost for employees. Coverage for dependents and HSA are also available.
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Insurance Coverage: We cover basic life and long-term disability insurance, with options to add extra coverage to ensure peace of mind for you and your family.
LEAP is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace in Colorado. Our team brings together exceptionally talented and diverse individuals who are pushing the boundaries of space access and logistics. We welcome all qualified applicants and provide equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. This includes individuals with a criminal history, in compliance with applicable regulations. We actively encourage applications from minorities, women, Veterans, and people with disabilities. At LEAP, we strive to create a supportive and welcoming environment throughout the hiring process. If you’re excited about making a real-world impact in space technology, we want to hear from you!