Cowboy Space is a startup building orbital data-center satellites and an in-house rocket program to launch them.
SR. INTEGRATION AND TEST ENGINEER About Cowboy Space Corp: 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. About the role: We’re looking for an Senior Integration & Test Engineer to own the end-to-end validation of our hardware systems. You will be responsible for bringing up, integrating, and testing complex electro-mechanical and avionics systems—ensuring they perform reliably in mission-critical environments. This role is highly hands-on and cross-functional, working closely with hardware, avionics, and software teams to take systems from prototype through flight readiness. Responsibilities: - Own system-level integration and test of hardware and avionics systems - Design, build, and maintain test infrastructure (racks, fixtures, harnessing, and tooling) - Develop automated and manual test procedures for board- and system-level validation - Lead bring-up and debug of electrical systems, including root cause analysis and failure investigation - Execute environmental and functional testing (thermal, vibration, DVE, etc.) - Collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, firmware, and software teams to validate performance - Drive improvements in test coverage, reliability, and scalability of test systems - Support flight qualification and launch readiness activities - Support launch campaign operations including payload integration checkouts, pre-flight verification, and real-time anomaly resolution. Basic Qualifications - Experience with integration, test, or validation of hardware systems - Strong hands-on experience with test automation, instrumentation, and lab equipment - Experience building test setups: fixtures, harnessing, racks, and data acquisition systems - Background in avionics board-level testing and debugging (power, signal integrity, communications) - Familiarity with scripting (Python or similar) for test automation - Experience with RF, sensors, LiDAR, or avionics systems is a plus - Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and interface control documents - Comfortable working in fast-paced, ambiguous environments with high ownership Preferred Qualifications - Experience supporting complex hardware or engineering programs - Background in high-growth or deeply technical organizations - Experience managing high-value spend portfolios or vendor-owned inventory agreements - Familiarity with automation tools or process optimization within procurement workflows - Prior experience in aerospace, space, or other frontier technology industries - Background in environmental testing methods including thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, and EMI/EMC. Compensation and Benefits The salary range for this position is $125,000 – $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, 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.