Electrical Engineer

Location: San Francisco

Department: Electrical Engineering

About Us:

Samara Aerospace is revolutionizing satellite design by addressing the challenges of deploying and managing large satellite constellations. Our innovative Hummingbird spacecraft bus offers a modular and scalable platform that streamlines satellite production and deployment, significantly reducing launch costs. Hummingbird's compact architecture maximizes launch capacity, making it the most efficient and agile spacecraft in the industry. At the core of our technology is the patented Multifunctional Structures for Attitude Control (MSAC) system. Unlike traditional wheel-based pointing control systems, MSAC utilizes actuators embedded in the hinges of deployable solar panels to provide 3-axis attitude control and active jitter cancellation. This design eliminates the need for spinning wheels, reducing mass and potential points of failure, while enhancing pointing precision.

Role:

The Electrical Engineering team at Samara is seeking an Electrical Engineer to lead the design, layout, and testing of printed circuit boards for spacecraft electronics at our headquarters in San Francisco. This is a startup environment where you will own designs end-to-end, from early concept through production. A strong problem-solving background, hands-on testing skills, and experience with high-density PCB design and electronics integration. You'll work closely with experienced electrical, mechanical, and embedded software engineers to ensure the Hummingbird satellite's electronics are robust, manufacturable, and ready for the space environment.

Responsibilities:

• Own PCB Design from circuit design, schematic capture, and PCB layout through bring up testing.
• Conduct trade studies that balance electrical performance, signal integrity, thermal management, manufacturability, cost, and schedule.
• Collaborate with embedded software engineers during board bring-up, debugging, and hardware-software integration.
• Support spacecraft and board-level integration, including hands-on assistance with electronics assembly, rework, and system testing.
• Plan, support, and analyze board-level acceptance and environmental testing including radiation, vibration, and thermal vacuum (TVAC) campaigns.
• Contribute to documentation, design reviews, and test reports.

Qualifications:

• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 1–3 years of professional experience with PCB design and layout using Altium Designer.
• Familiarity with PCB manufacturing processes, design-for-manufacturing (DFM) principles, and assembly techniques.
• Strong interest in hands-on hardware development and working in a fast-paced, iterative environment.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to collaborate across disciplines.

Preferred:

• Experience with high-speed digital design, impedance-controlled routing, or mixed-signal layout techniques.
• Experience with RF circuit design, radio and communication subsystems, or antenna design and integration.
• Experience with environmental testing or qualifying hardware for harsh operating conditions.
• Experience interacting with test equipment with Python or other scripting language. 
• Spacecraft, aerospace, or high-reliability hardware experience.

Salary and Benefits:

• Pay range: $130,000-160,000 annually to start 
• Early and competitive equity in a rapidly growing startup 
• Platinum-level healthcare, vision, dental, and life insurance covered 100% for you 
• Partial dependent coverage available 
• 401k matching at 4% (no vesting) 
• Unlimited PTO and sick time 
• Catered lunch 3x per week
• Education assistance up to $5,250 per year
• Relocation assistance is available 
• 17 paid holidays (including a “winter break” Dec. 24-Jan. 1) 

Work Authorization
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. 
Samara Aerospace does not currently sponsor employment visas for this position.
Employment eligibility will be verified upon hire in accordance with federal law.