Spacecraft Payload Engineer - Embedded Systems

HawkEye 360
Herndon, VA
On-site

Who this role is best for

Best suited to hands-on engineers with embedded systems experience working in the satellite and signals intelligence domain.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with embedded systems and Python/Linux experience who enjoy hardware integration and troubleshooting
    — “You’ll configure payload hardware for spacecraft integration, run and troubleshoot software-driven tests”
  • Engineers who thrive in cross-functional teams and have a passion for space-based systems
    — “Work closely with Software, FPGA, Electrical, and AI&T engineers”
  • Individuals with a background in electrical or computer engineering and a desire to work in national security-related technology
    — “HawkEye 360 is equipping defense, intelligence, and national security leaders with mission-critical signals intelligence”

Things to consider

  • The role requires on-site presence in Herndon, VA, at least four days per week
    — “This role requires on-site work in our Herndon, VA office at least 4 days per week”
  • Candidates should be prepared to work across multiple engineering disciplines simultaneously
    — “Work across engineering teams to diagnose problems and drive them to resolution”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, or Ethernet hardware interfaces in your resume and interviews
    — “Familiarity with electrical schematics and hardware interfaces such as CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, or Ethernet”
  • Demonstrate your ability to develop and improve test tools and automation frameworks
    — “Develop and improve test tools, automation, and lab capabilities as you learn the system”
  • Showcase your troubleshooting skills with specific examples from past embedded system work
    — “Strong troubleshooting skills, curiosity, and a desire to work hands-on with hardware”
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • successful payload integration
  • reliable test tools
Typical background
electrical engineeringcomputer science

Skills & requirements

Required

Embedded SystemsPythonLinux

Preferred

C/c++FPGASdr/rf

Stack & domain

PythonLinuxC/c++CANSPII2CUARTEthernetTroubleshootingProblem-solvingEmbedded SystemsSpacecraft

About the role

Original posting from HawkEye 360 via Greenhouse

The Space Software Team at HawkEye 360 is looking for a curious, hands-on engineer who wants to work directly with spacecraft hardware and software. You’ll configure payload hardware for spacecraft integration, run and troubleshoot software-driven tests, and support the lab systems and flatsats we use to develop and validate our payloads. You’ll work closely with Software, FPGA, Electrical, and AI&T engineers, giving you the opportunity to learn how the entire payload works from development through launch and on-orbit operations.

We’re looking for someone with a strong foundation in Python and Linux who enjoys getting their hands on hardware, digging into problems, and learning new technologies. 

This role requires on-site work in our Herndon, VA office at least 4 days per week.

Your main responsibilities will be:

Configure and prepare payload hardware and software for spacecraft integration, including programming and flashing embedded devices.

Run and troubleshoot software-driven tests on flight and lab hardware.

Maintain and troubleshoot payload flatsats, Ground Support Equipment (GSE), and lab test setups.

Investigate hardware and software issues using logs, telemetry, schematics, and lab equipment.

Work across engineering teams to diagnose problems and drive them to resolution.

Develop and improve test tools, automation, and lab capabilities as you learn the system. 

Skills and Qualifications: 

B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

2+ years of relevant engineering experience.

Strong working knowledge of Python and Linux.

Experience working with electronic or embedded systems.

Familiarity with electrical schematics and hardware interfaces such as CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, or Ethernet.

Strong troubleshooting skills, curiosity, and a desire to work hands-on with hardware. 

Desirable:

C/C++ experience.

Experience with lab equipment, automated testing, or hardware-in-the-loop systems.

Experience with embedded Linux, SDR/RF, or FPGA-based systems.

Soldering, cabling, or electronics rework experience.

Git and CI/CD experience.

Spacecraft or satellite operations experience.  

We offer a compensation package that includes a competitive base salary plus annual performance bonus, benefits and equity. We consider many factors when determining salary offers, such as candidate's work experience, education, training & skills, as well as market and business considerations. We are also open to considering candidates with experience and qualifications at a different level than required in a job posting, which may affect the compensation package offered.

Salary Range$70,000—$115,000 USDCompany Overview:

HawkEye 360 is equipping defense, intelligence, and national security leaders with mission-critical signals intelligence to enable faster, better decision making. By detecting, geolocating, and characterizing radio frequency emissions worldwide, HawkEye 360 delivers trusted domain awareness and early warning indicators to the US Government and allied partners. Our space-based collection, proprietary signal processing, and AI-powered analytics transform knowledge of RF spectrum into a strategic advantage. Proven by operational mission success, HawkEye 360 is redefining how signals intelligence strengthens national and global security.

HawkEye 360 is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

Source: HawkEye 360 careers (Greenhouse)

Similar roles

More roles at HawkEye 360