Avionics Engineer Jobs in California

Who are we?

Longshot Space Technologies is at the cutting edge of low-cost space access and hypersonics. We are developing a novel space launch system that accelerates mass over a long distance. Using our technology, we plan to provide affordable launch services for satellites, cargo, and future space infrastructure. Our mission is to enable a future where humans don't just reach for the stars, but hold them in the palm of our hands.

Position Overview

We are hiring an Avionics Engineer to own the vehicle's entire electronics stack from architecture through flight. You'll be the technical authority on everything avionics: flight computer, C&DH, sensor suite, RF and telemetry, power, and flight-termination systems. You'll also own the HIL/SIL test bed and the environmental and g-load qualification that proves it all survives a gun launch.

With full end-to-end ownership, you'll design electronics that withstand 250g and function through hypersonic flight, build and test them yourself, and move at a pace no large aerospace company can match. If you want to get your hands dirty alongside specialized engineers building something that hasn't been done before, this is the role.

Job Details

• Role Type: Full-time, Exempt
• Compensation: $150,000 – $190,000 Annual Salary
• Location: Onsite in Alameda, CA

Key Responsibilities

• Vehicle avionics architecture: Flight computer / C&DH, avionics stack selection, and downlink protocol, from concept through CDR, qualification, and flight.
• Flight electronics for a gun-launched environment: Board design, component selection, and packaging that survive in-barrel acceleration and hypersonic flight.
• The vehicle sensor suite and instrumented projectile: Sensor selection, signal conditioning, data acquisition, and onboard data handling.
• RF / TT&C / communications: Telemetry downlink, antenna integration (through the waverider geometry and plasma sheath), link-budget analysis, and FCC / NTIA spectrum coordination.
• The vehicle power system: Battery chemistry selection and gun-hardened qualification, plus power distribution and conditioning.
• Flight-termination (FTS) avionics: Support of FAA/AST range-safety qualification.
• The HIL/SIL test bed. Build and own the hardware/software-in-the-loop bench for avionics and GNC integration.
• Environmental and g-load qualification: Plan and run 250g in-barrel and thermal-cycling test campaigns; reduce and interpret the data.
• Ground and test instrumentation: Support the active test campaigns (Side Injection, Tonopah) with sensors and data acquisition.
• Technical documentation: Clear, maintained records of avionics architecture, interfaces, and qualification results.

Required Qualifications

• BS in Electrical, Computer, or Electronics Engineering (or a related field); MS a plus. Equivalent hands-on avionics experience will be considered.
• 2+ years designing and delivering electronics or avionics in aerospace, defense, or a comparable high-performance, high-reliability hardware environment.
• Deep embedded/firmware experience. C/C++, RTOS or bare-metal, microcontrollers, and board bring-up.
• Strong PCB design and layout. Schematic capture and multilayer board layout (Altium, KiCad, or equivalent), including design for manufacture.
• Hands-on lab proficiency. Soldering, harness/cabling, and bench debug with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and power supplies.
• U.S. Person status (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) required for access to export-controlled technical data.
• Able to work onsite in Alameda, CA, with periodic travel to test sites during campaigns.

Preferred Qualifications:

• RF, communications, or telemetry experience. Link-budget analysis, antenna integration, transceivers, and spectrum coordination.
• Power electronics and battery systems, including high-g or gun-hardened qualification.
• HIL/SIL test bench development
• Test instrumentation and data acquisition (DAQ, signal conditioning, LabVIEW or equivalent).
• High-reliability or harsh-environment electronics. Shock, vibration, and high-g environments or space/mil qualification (MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461).
• Flight software or GNC integration experience.
• Python or MATLAB for data reduction and test automation.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and dental insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and paid sick leave
• Equity opportunities
• Professional development opportunities
• 90-day integration period

Equal Employment Opportunity

Longshot Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

ITAR Compliance

To comply with U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

At-Will Employment

Employment with Longshot is at-will. This means that either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.