Avionics Systems​/Principal

Sophia Space is developing the Tile avionics platform that powers our orbital computing architecture. We are seeking a Staff / Principal Avionics Hardware Engineer to provide senior technical leadership across the design, implementation, integration, and qualification of advanced spacecraft avionics hardware.

Working alongside the Blade Cognizant Engineer, firmware engineers, PCB designers, systems engineers, and mechanical and thermal engineers, this role leads major hardware development efforts spanning spacecraft interface electronics, networking hardware, embedded compute support electronics, power electronics, and subsystem integration. In parallel, the engineer supports the Principal Avionics R&D Lead by helping mature advanced avionics technologies into flight-qualified implementations.

This role focuses on executing the long-term avionics architecture vision by developing robust flight hardware supporting both current spacecraft and future product evolution. It combines deep technical expertise with hands-on hardware development, helping establish one of Sophia’s long-term technical pillars while remaining actively engaged in spacecraft development from concept through qualification and flight.

This position is primarily in-person in Pasadena, California, with occasional hybrid flexibility based on business needs.

This position requires access to technology that is subject to U.S. export control laws. To comply with applicable ITAR and EAR regulations, applicants must qualify as a U.S. Person, as defined under those regulations. U.S. Persons generally include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and certain protected individuals as defined by applicable law.

• Lead development of major avionics hardware supporting current spacecraft programs.
• Design and implement analog, digital, mixed-signal, and embedded electronics supporting spacecraft interfaces, networking, electrical power distribution, and command-and-data-handling infrastructure.
• Lead hardware development for spacecraft avionics assemblies such as the Bus Interface Box, networking electronics, payload interface hardware, and future avionics assemblies.
• Guide schematic development, PCB layout reviews, component selection, manufacturing support, and hardware verification.

• Lead board bring-up, laboratory debugging, subsystem integration, and hardware qualification activities.
• Develop and support avionics testbeds used for functional verification and characterization.
• Lead anomaly investigations spanning hardware, firmware, electrical interfaces, and subsystem integration.
• Support environmental qualification including TVAC, vibration, EMC/EMI, and system-level integration campaigns.

• Support the Principal Avionics R&D Lead in maturing emerging avionics technologies into flight-qualified hardware.
• Evaluate new processors, networking technologies, electrical interfaces, and avionics hardware concepts supporting future spacecraft generations.
• Prototype, characterize, and mature advanced avionics hardware supporting Sophia’s long-term product roadmap.
• Transition validated technologies into current and future flight programs.

• Work alongside the Blade Cognizant Engineer to integrate Blade into the complete spacecraft avionics architecture.
• Develop and integrate electrical interfaces supporting Blade, payload systems, Bus Interface Box hardware, and spacecraft networking.
• Support payload hardware integration, qualification, and subsystem verification.
• Coordinate hardware implementation activities across avionics, firmware, software, systems…