Senior Electrical Engineer

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO)

Location: Cambridge, MA (On-site)

Employment Type: Full-time

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is seeking a highly skilled Electrical Engineer to provide technical leadership for the design, development, and deployment of advanced electronics hardware for space-based and ground-based astrophysics missions. This role combines deep hands‑on engineering expertise with team leadership, mentoring, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration in a research‑driven environment.

The ideal candidate brings 5–7 years of electronics hardware design experience within the space industry
, along with demonstrated leadership experience guiding engineering teams through complex, mission‑critical programs.

• Lead the architecture, design, and development of electronics hardware for spaceflight and astrophysical instrumentation
• Provide technical leadership across the full hardware lifecycle, including requirements definition, schematic design, PCB layout oversight, integration, testing, and qualification
• Ensure compliance with spaceflight standards (e.g., radiation tolerance, thermal, vibration, EMC/EMI, reliability)
• Serve as a technical authority and mentor for electrical engineers, fostering best practices and professional development
• Collaborate closely with systems engineers, mechanical engineers, scientists, software teams, and external partners
• Support design reviews (PDR, CDR), risk assessments, and mission readiness activities
• Oversee vendor selection, component sourcing, and hardware procurement
• Contribute to documentation, configuration management, and long-term sustainment planning
• Support proposal development and provide technical input for future missions and research initiatives

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field
• 5+ years of electronics hardware design experience within the space industry (satellites, space instruments, avionics, or equivalent)
• Proven experience designing analog, digital, and mixed‑signal circuits
• Experience with PCB design tools and hardware validation/test methodologies
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including technical lead roles, mentoring engineers, or managing small teams
• Familiarity with spaceflight qualification processes and environmental testing
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary research teams
• U.S. work authorization (additional requirements may apply depending on project)

• Experience with radiation‑tolerant or radiation‑hardened electronics
• Familiarity with FPGA‑based systems, power electronics, or sensor interfaces
• Prior experience supporting NASA, ESA, or other space agency missions
• Experience working in a research or academic laboratory environment

At the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, you’ll contribute to groundbreaking scientific missions that expand humanity’s understanding of the universe. SAO offers a collaborative research environment, access to world‑class scientists and engineers, and the opportunity to see your work fly in space and enable transformational discoveries.

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