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Satellite Electrical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Scout Space

Satellite Electrical Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site +1

As a Satellite Electrical Engineer , you will focus on design, development, and integration of electronics for use in spaceborne and high-reliability environments. Responsibilities * Help to lead ...

Scout Space

Satellite Electrical Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

... satellite to make space safer. We are a rapidly-growing team; we are deploying real solutions to ... As a  Satellite Electrical Engineer , you will focus on design, development, and integration of ...

Scout Space

Satellite Electrical Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site +1

As a Satellite Electrical Engineer , you will focus on design, development, and integration of electronics for use in spaceborne and high-reliability environments. Responsibilities * Help to lead ...

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Satellite Electrical Engineer information

See salary details

$40.5K

$86.4K

$142.5K

How much do satellite electrical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite electrical engineer in the United States is $86,381.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $103,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a satellite electrical engineer do?

A Satellite Electrical Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains the electrical systems and components used in satellites. Their work includes creating power systems, communication subsystems, and integrating various onboard electronics to ensure the satellite operates reliably in space. They collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to address challenges such as energy efficiency, radiation protection, and system redundancy. These engineers play a critical role in ensuring satellite missions are successful, from initial concept through launch and operation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a satellite electrical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Satellite Electrical Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, circuit design, and satellite systems, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like Altium Designer, MATLAB, and experience with satellite communication protocols are often required, along with certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and teamwork skills help you excel in complex, multidisciplinary projects. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring the reliability, safety, and innovation of satellite systems in demanding environments.

What are some common challenges faced by satellite electrical engineers during satellite integration and testing phases?

Satellite Electrical Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting unexpected anomalies in electrical subsystems during integration and environmental testing. They must ensure all components interact seamlessly and meet rigorous reliability standards, often under tight deadlines. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is essential to quickly resolve issues, document findings, and implement solutions. Additionally, adapting to evolving project requirements and ensuring compliance with industry regulations are key aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Satellite Electrical Engineer vs Satellite Systems Engineer?

AspectSatellite Electrical EngineerSatellite Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, certifications in satellite systemsBachelor's in Electrical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, test electrical components for satellitesOversee entire satellite systems, including electrical, software, and mechanical aspects
Employer & Industry UsageSatellite manufacturing companies, aerospace firmsSatellite operators, aerospace and defense companies
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on electrical systems within satellitesEncompasses broader satellite system integration

Satellite Electrical Engineers specialize in designing and testing electrical components for satellites, while Satellite Systems Engineers oversee the entire satellite system integration, including electrical, software, and mechanical parts. Both roles require similar technical credentials but differ in scope and focus within the satellite industry.

Do satellite electrical engineers work on satellites?

Yes, satellite electrical engineers design, develop, and test the electrical systems of satellites, including power distribution, communication interfaces, and control circuits. They often work in cleanroom environments and use tools like circuit simulation software to ensure system reliability in space conditions.

What cities are hiring for Satellite Electrical Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Satellite Electrical Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Satellite Electrical Engineer jobs?

For Satellite Electrical Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Satellite Electrical Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,381 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Satellite Electrical Engineer

Reston, VA • On-site, Remote

Scout Space
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Scout Spaceexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Scout Space is building a new way to see and operate in space: with a new paradigm of data empowering every satellite to make space safer. We are a rapidly-growing team; we are deploying real solutions to orbit over the next 2 years; and our work will transform the face of spaceflight. We are looking for people that bring excitement and energy to our organization, are curious and eager to learn, and want to help drive our programs forward.
As a Satellite Electrical Engineer, you will focus on design, development, and integration of electronics for use in spaceborne and high-reliability environments.
Responsibilities
  • Help to lead avionics architectural decisions and identify individual electronic components
  • Support hardware bring-up, debugging, and validation in lab environments
  • Support environmental payload testing, and write associated test cases
  • Define connector and cable harnessing for space environments
  • Support the design of digital and analog/mixed-signal electrical circuits
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, software, and systems teams to ensure cohesive hardware solutions, as well as with external stakeholders

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field
  • 3-5 years of relevant experience in electrical design
  • Familiarity with avionics systems design and testing strategies, particularly those compliant with NASA MIL standards
  • Familiarity with signal integrity, power distribution, and EMI/EMC best practices, especially in a space environment
  • Familiarity with designing robust grounding schemes (and strong understanding of grounding optimization tactics)
  • Experience designing harness drawings
  • Experience writing test procedures for both board and assembly level tests
  • Strong debugging skills using lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers)
  • Working knowledge of hardware development for harsh environments (radiation tolerance, thermal constraints)
  • Familiarity with board-level electrical design, schematic capture, and layout tools (e.g., Altium Designer, KiCad, OrCAD)
  • Eligible to hold a security clearance

Preferred Qualification
  • 6-8 years of relevant experience in electrical design
  • Familiarity with monitoring and reporting environmental testing for electronic assemblies (such as EMI/EMC, TVAC, etc)
  • Strong proficiency with board-level electrical design, schematic capture, and layout tools (e.g., Altium Designer, KiCad, OrCAD)
  • Proficiency with high speed and mixed signal simulation tools (such as Ansys, HyperLynx, etc)
  • Experience designing optical, radio frequency (RF), and/or high power avionics
  • Experience with VHDL or Verilog and FPGA development toolchains (e.g., Vivado, Quartus, Libero)
  • Experience integrating FPGA systems with embedded processors, sensors, and high-speed interfaces (e.g., SPI, I2C, UART, LVDS, SpaceWire, Ethernet)

Benefits
  • Open Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • 401k Matching
  • Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care FSA
  • Wellness Stipend
  • Work From Home Stipend
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-term Disability plans
  • Commuter Benefit
  • Education Reimbursement

Don't fulfill all the qualifications listed above? If you still feel like you might be a good fit, please feel free to APPLY ANYWAY. We believe in a well-rounded team, and this sometimes means that someone with out-of-context knowledge can contribute just as well as someone with very explicit alignment with our capabilities needs stated.
Our positions are based in Reston, Virginia, with much of our team operating in a hybrid or remote fashion. Our preference is for candidates in or around this area (or willing to relocate) as we scale our facilities and engineering team to provide more opportunities to work and collaborate in-person.
This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant's capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.
Scout Space Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. To conform to US Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be a US citizen, lawful permanent resident of the US, a protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorization from the US Department of State.
We're Proud to Prioritize Mental Health. Scout Space has been recognized with the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America. This certification reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a supportive environment where mental well-being is valued, protected, and openly talked about. We know that when people feel seen and supported, great work happens, and that is the kind of culture we are building here at Scout Space.
Compensation is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Summary pay range: $120,000 - $200,000

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