Cowboy Space is a startup building orbital data-center satellites and an in-house rocket program to launch them.
SENIOR SPACECRAFT ENGINEER 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 transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), to 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. About the Role: We are looking for a Senior Spacecraft Engineer to help design, build, and integrate the core systems that power our satellite platform. You will work across spacecraft subsystems—including structures, power, thermal, and avionics—to develop reliable, high-performance systems that operate in the harsh environment of space. This is a high-growth role with the opportunity to gain ownership quickly and work closely with a multidisciplinary team spanning software, electrical, optical, and mechanical engineering. Responsibilities: - Design, develop, and integrate spacecraft subsystems, including structures, power, thermal, and avionics - Own components of the spacecraft architecture, from early design through integration and test - Perform system-level trade studies to optimize performance, mass, power, and reliability - Support development of spacecraft layouts, CAD models, and system schematics - Plan and execute integration and test campaigns, including subsystem and full vehicle testing - Develop and maintain technical documentation, including requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), and test plans - Collaborate cross-functionally with software, electrical, optical, and GNC teams to ensure system-level performance - Support environmental testing and validation, including thermal-vacuum, vibration, and EMI/EMC testing - Participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR) and contribute to system-level decision making Basic Qualifications: - 3–5 years of experience in spacecraft, aerospace, or mechanical, or electrical engineering (internships and relevant projects count) - Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field - Experience with spacecraft subsystems (structures, power, thermal, avionics, or similar) - Familiarity with design tools in your field. - Exposure to one or more of the following: - Spacecraft design or satellite systems - Hardware integration and testing - Thermal or structural analysis - Embedded or avionics systems - Strong fundamentals in engineering analysis, system design, and problem-solving - Eagerness to learn and operate in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment Preferred Qualifications: - Experience working on spacecraft or aerospace vehicle development programs (internship, academic, or industry) - Hands-on experience with hardware integration, assembly, and testing - Familiarity with environmental testing (thermal-vacuum, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC) - Experience performing trade studies and system-level optimization - Exposure to power systems, thermal systems, or structural analysis in aerospace applications - Familiarity with GNC systems, orbital mechanics, or mission design considerations - Experience with CAD, FEA, or thermal modeling tools (e.g., ANSYS, Thermal Desktop) - Experience working on high-reliability or safety-critical systems with strong validation practices - Demonstrated ability to take ownership of complex engineering problems from concept through testing - Prior experience at a space, aerospace, or deep tech organization - Strong interest in space systems, energy infrastructure, and building novel orbital capabilities Compensation and Benefits The salary range for this position is $150,000 – $200,000 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 ITAR Requirements - 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 https://deccs.pmddtc.state.gov/deccs. Disclaimer 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,