Senior Spacecraft C&DH Engineer / Senior Spacecraft C&DH Engineeress

Senior Spacecraft C&DH Engineer

Every satellite that successfully reaches orbit and remains operational does so because of well-informed decisions regarding its avionics architecture. Our client operates at the forefront of national security space and is seeking a Senior C&DH Engineer to serve as the primary technical authority for the electrical hardware and avionics systems intrinsic to their spacecraft. If you possess the expertise to manage complex architectures and the interpersonal skills to lead across programs and engage with various stakeholders, this role offers substantial opportunities for impact.

The Role

You will be responsible for driving the design and architecture of C&DH subsystems, ensuring alignment with mission requirements while balancing performance, power, mass, and cost. This involves:

• Leading trade studies and make/buy analyses.
• Owning interface control documents.
• Directing high-fidelity analyses across data budgets, signal integrity, EMI/EMC, and clock behavior.
• Resolving complex technical issues through integration and testing.

Additionally, you will contribute to Failure Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FDIR) strategies and provide technical expertise in mission operations. At Level 5, your responsibilities will extend to shaping the long-term technical roadmap for the C&DH group and mentoring the next generation of engineers across multiple programs.

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Computer, Aerospace, or a related discipline, with 9 or more years of relevant experience.
• 9 or more years of experience with spacecraft communication protocols including SpaceWire, Ethernet, RS-422/485, and LVDS.
• 7 or more years of experience in the design, analysis, and integration of spacecraft electrical hardware or complex avionics systems.
• US Person status required (US Citizenship required for clearance eligibility).

What Sets Candidates Apart

• 14 or more years of related experience for those targeting Level 5.
• Experience as a Responsible Engineering Authority or Lead Engineer on complex space programs.
• Deep familiarity with industry standards and DoD cybersecurity implementation for space assets.
• Experience in high-rate manufacturing environments.
• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a relevant engineering discipline.

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Adam Slade