Avionics Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit compute to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we’re unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth.

Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We’re moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure.

We are seeking an experienced and highly technical Hardware Project Manager (HPM) / Technical Program Manager (TPM) to drive the execution of our next-generation Avionics systems. In this role, you will be the absolute anchor for our hardware development lifecycle—cradling flight-critical hardware from initial concept through design, environmental qualification, and ultimate mission integration.

You will bridge the gap between complex engineering realities and tight mission milestones, acting as the central axis connecting Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Quality teams.

• Translate high-level spacecraft avionics requirements into executable hardware development plans, breaking complex systems into trackable engineering work packages and managing execution through Jira or similar tools.

• Develop, maintain, and own the integrated hardware development schedule, including schematic capture, PCB layout, prototyping, bring-up, qualification, flight certification, and launch readiness.

• Drive milestone execution through agile or phase-gated development methodologies, continuously monitoring dependencies, identifying critical path risks, and proactively mitigating schedule impacts.

• Lead cross-functional execution across Hardware Engineering, Embedded Software, FPGA, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Integration & Test, and Quality to ensure successful hardware/software integration and program delivery.

• Facilitate Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Test (DFT) reviews while supporting production test development and manufacturing readiness.

• Own hardware program risk management by maintaining the risk register, resolving technical blockers, managing material shortages, and driving Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), Material Review Boards (MRBs), and configuration control.

• Partner with Supply Chain to manage vendor selection, PCB fabrication, PCBA partners, long-lead component procurement, prototype builds, first-article inspections, and transition to production.

• Own product lifecycle management (PLM), including Bills of Materials (BOMs), Approved Manufacturer Lists (AMLs), part numbering, release management, and design documentation.

• Drive hardware quality and reliability through EMC/EMI compliance, signal integrity, power integrity, environmental qualification, and reliability analysis.

• Support spacecraft integration, environmental testing, launch campaigns, and on-orbit anomaly investigation while ensuring avionics hardware remains aligned with overall vehicle architecture and mission objectives.

• Contribute to avionics system architecture, technical strategy, and engineering decision-making while helping scale hardware development processes across the organization.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

• 3–5+ years of experience leading complex hardware development programs, preferably in aerospace, defense, automotive, or other high-reliability industries.

• Strong understanding of the end-to-end hardware development lifecycle, including PCB design and fabrication, prototype builds, qualification testing, manufacturing, and production.

• Technical literacy across electrical engineering workflows, embedded hardware development, environmental qualification (thermal, vibration, EMI/EMC), and hardware integration.

• Experience managing cross-functional engineering teams and coordinating execution across Hardware, Embedded Software, FPGA, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Integration & Test.

• Proficiency with project management tools such as Jira, Microsoft Project, or Smartsheet, and product lifecycle management (PLM) systems such as Arena, Windchill, or Agile PLM.

• Excellent organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to drive execution in a fast-paced, highly technical environment.

• Proven ability to identify program risks, manage competing priorities, and deliver complex hardware milestones on schedule.

• Prior hands‑on experience as a hardware design or test engineer working specifically on flight computers, power distribution units (PDUs), or RF/telemetry systems.

• Familiarity with aerospace regulatory standards (e.g., DO-254, DO-160, IPC‑A-610 Class 3, or NASA/ECSS standards).

• Exceptional communication skills with a proven track record of influencing cross‑functional teams without direct authority.

The salary range for this position is $145,000 - $220,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job‑related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.

• Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) retirement savings plan

• Paid time off

• 10 paid holidays per calendar year

• Paid parental leave

• Relocation assistance if applicable

• Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

• Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.’s discretion.

Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.