Spacecraft Engineer - Office of the CTO

Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity’s reach into the solar system. Today, Astranis satellites provide dedicated, secure networks to highly-sophisticated customers across the globe— large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military. With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch soon, the company is servicing a backlog of more than $1 billion of commercial contracts. Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent requirements for uptime, data security, network visibility, and customization. Astranis has raised over $750 million from some of the world’s best investors, from Andreessen Horowitz to Blackrock and Fidelity, and employs a team of 450 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA. Astranis is seeking a motivated and experienced Spacecraft Engineer to join our dedicated team. This critical role involves the full lifecycle development of advanced small form-factor Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites. The successful candidate will be a key driver for cross-system trade studies, own satellite budgets, work to develop mission CONOPs, coordinate unit & vehicle test planning & readiness, and ensure that the satellites meet all mission design criteria. Role: Lead the definition, documentation, and maintenance of the complete GEO spacecraft system architecture, including high-power payload accommodations, propulsion systems for orbit raising and station-keeping, and high-throughput communication links. Identify and rapidly solve cross-functional issues that arise at every stage of the satellite lifecycle. Define and manage spacecraft internal and external interfaces (mechanical, electrical, thermal, data) to ensure seamless integration and compatibility across subsystems, especially between Bus and Payload systems. Act as the technical owner and primary point of contact for critical system budgets, particularly Mass and Power Budgets. Establish and maintain technical budget tracking tools and reports, providing accurate, up-to-date status and forecasts to project leadership and stakeholders. Provide technical guidance and oversight to subsystem engineers, ensuring their designs are integrated correctly and meet system-level design criteria and budgets. Support Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) activities and mission operations by leading the systems-level analysis and resolution of technical anomalies. Requirements: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, etc.) or a related technical discipline. 3 to 10 years of experience in integrated system design, integration, and/or test. Experience as a hands-on engineer or other technical domain expert. Note that both junior and senior engineers are sought for this role. Track record of solving hard problems independently Ability to lead outside of the traditional reporting chain. Proven experience in managing complex technical budgets (e.g., mass, power) and enforcing design discipline. Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, overcome obstacles with creative solutions, and clearly document/communicate tactical plans Bonus: Experience working through a complete GEO spacecraft development lifecycle. Familiarity with Smartsheet, Jira, and Confluence Deep technical experience across multiple domains Specific experience with GEO or high-power communication satellite systems. What we offer: All our positions offer a compensation package that includes equity and robust benefits. Base pay is just one component of Astranis’s total rewards package. Your compensation also includes a significant equity package via incentive stock options, high-quality company-subsidized healthcare, disability and life insurance, 401(k) retirement planning, flexible PTO, and free on-site catered meals. Astranis pay ranges are informed and defined through prof