Principal Hardware Engineer, Systems Engineering

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you’ve come to the right place!

E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.

We’re intentional, we’re unapologetically curious and we’re 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life.

Why this role is important:

The Principal Hardware Engineer will lead contributions to the definition, systems engineering, and design of our next generation satellite communications payload architecture. The ideal candidate has held a similar role in a dynamic and innovative industrial organization, responsible for concept development and prototyping based on mission requirements. The candidate shall have been through and led multiple design cycles for highly complex communication boards, from concept to production. Deep experience with highly integrated multicore packet and baseband processors will be essential. This position will report to the Systems Engineering and Advanced Projects leader and will work closely and cross-functionally with Avionics, Mechanical, RF and Product teams.

The successful candidate could either be based in our Saratoga, CA office and will need to work onsite.

• Payload Computer Product Definition and Design:
• Define next generation payload computer product requirements and conduct meticulous trade-offs.
• Design complex high-speed digital/analogue circuit boards from datasheet to completion for pre-production prototypes. 
• Alongside the development teams, continue to contribute to problem solving with alternatives and feasibility studies.
• Prototyping and Testing:
• Procure and integrate evaluation modules and reference designs to complete a proof-of-concept operation of the platform.
• Design and build adaptation and break-out boards to create demonstration platforms as a stepping stone to full product development.  
• Identify and specify space-grade components and materials for Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) operations.
• Integration and Collaboration:
• Work with the software development teams to verify processing performance and memory bandwidth for the communications protocol stacks.
• Collaborate closely with international satellite development teams, including RF, Electrical, Mechanical, and Product teams.
• Working with junior team members to mentor skills development.
• Product Roadmap and Research:
• Actively contribute to and lead the payload computer roadmap.
• Conduct research in innovative communications systems architectures aligned with the evolving needs of the satellite network.
• Documentation and Communication:
• Prepare comprehensive documentation for design reviews.
• Effectively communicate technical information to diverse audiences. 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electronics/Telecommunication Engineering.
• To be thrilled to be a part of a multi-disciplined and multi-geographical team.
• Proven experience in leading the design and development of complex communications systems.
• Design experience with complex microprocessor/DSP devices – working from supplier reference design and evaluation boards.
• 15+ years of experience in electronics hardware design including analysis, simulation, schematic capture, PCB layout, and testing.
• Design experience in the selection of components, taking into account not only the design specification, but also environmental, cost, EOL, lead time, etc.
• Low level power supply design experience, using simulation (LTspice) and knowledge of power managers and monitoring devices.
• Design experience of complex clocking and timing solutions including jitter, phase noise measurements.
• Design experience with on-board high speed data buses (e.g: PCIe, Serdes, JESD) – including analysis
• Design experience with low/medium speed data buses (e.g: I2C, SPI, LVDS, PECL, RS422, LAN, CAN etc). 
• Design experience of schematic capture and layout of complex PCBs, using the Mentor or Altium Design tool.
• Proficiency performing circuit analysis using suitable simulation tools (e,g: SPICE etc).
• Hands-on attitude to problem-solving, using test equipment – Scopes, DSOs, DMMs, Soldering Iron, ENV chamber.
• Experience with thermal design techniques.
• Demonstrated success working in a dynamic environment.
• Experience with the full V-Model  design cycle, from requirement capture through to design verification.

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Design experience with on-board high speed data buses (e.g: PCIe, Serdes, JESD) – including analysis.
• VHDL/Verilog design experience – to create CPLD/FPGA designs, including test bench validation.
• Ability to write Python scripts (or similar lower-level scripting) to aid testing and investigation. 
• Design experience with ASIC designs.
• Experience designing rigid-flex PCBs and general electro-mechanical design familiarity.
• RF knowledge.
• Experience with EMC (Immunity and Emissions), Environmental (temp, shock, vibration), Reliability (MTBF, MTTF), FMECA.
• We are doing exciting work with satellites, so candidates with and understanding or direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities will be viewed very positively.
• Experience with highly integrated multicore packet and baseband processors.

We are doing exciting work with satellites, so candidates with and understanding or direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities will be viewed very positively.

Why E-Space is right for you:

We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. That’s why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space:

• An opportunity to really make a difference

• Sustainability at our core

• Fair and honest workplace

• Innovative thinking is encouraged

• Competitive salaries

• Continuous learning and development

• Health and wellness care options

• Financial solutions for the future

• Optional legal services (US only)

• Paid holidays

• Paid time off