Head of Avionics & Communication Job at Karmanplus in Denver

Position: Head of Avionics & Communication

Location: Denver, CO

Position Type: Full-time

Mission: High Frontier – Lead and Integrate Avionics, Communication, and Power Systems for a Mission-Ready Spacecraft

We’re Karman+, a dynamic space startup pushing the boundaries of in-space capabilities with a lean, driven team. For our High Frontier mission, we need advanced avionics and communications systems to ensure the spacecraft’s critical functions—power management, data handling, telemetry, and navigation—operate flawlessly. If you’re a seasoned engineer with strong expertise in avionics, power systems, and communications, plus a knack for leading teams through complex technical challenges, we’d love to talk to you.

What it takes to be successful in this role:

As the Head of Avionics & Communication, you’ll be responsible for the end-to-end design, integration, testing, and deployment of the spacecraft’s avionics, power, and communication systems. This role has a strong emphasis on avionics, covering everything from power distribution to telemetry, data handling, and control systems. You’ll also oversee the communication subsystems, ensuring reliable, high-bandwidth communication between the spacecraft and ground control.

This is a technical leadership role, so in addition to hands-on engineering expertise, you’ll need the ability to lead a team of avionics and communications engineers, manage resources, and ensure alignment with mission objectives. If you’re ready to take on one of the most critical roles on a high-impact space mission, this is the opportunity for you

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, integration, and testing of the spacecraft’s avionics systems, including power management, telemetry, command & data handling, payload control, and guidance/control enabling systems. Make key decisions on avionics architecture, hardware/software interfaces, and design trade-offs to meet mission requirements.
• Oversee the design and integration of power distribution and management systems. Ensure reliable, efficient power allocation to all subsystems, managing battery systems, solar array interfaces, and power converters.
• Manage the development and integration of spacecraft communication systems, including RF systems, antennas, and transceivers. Ensure robust, high-quality communication links with ground stations and within the spacecraft.
• Own every phase of the avionics and communication systems lifecycle—from initial concept through detailed design, testing, flight readiness, and post-deployment support—ensuring mission-critical reliability and performance in space.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of avionics and communications engineers. Provide technical guidance, set priorities, manage workloads, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Oversee system-level integration of avionics, power, and communication subsystems with other spacecraft systems (e.g., propulsion, structures). Lead the development of test plans and procedures, supporting ground testing and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing to validate system performance.
• Collaborate closely with systems engineering, propulsion, software, and mechanical teams to ensure seamless integration of avionics and communication systems across the spacecraft. Act as the primary point of contact for these subsystems, keeping stakeholders informed of status, challenges, and progress.
• Manage relationships with vendors and suppliers for avionics and communication hardware, including power components, communication hardware, and custom electronics. Conduct technical evaluations, oversee procurement, and ensure timely delivery of components.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with avionics and communication systems. Implement quality control processes, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and act as the final checkpoint for go/no-go decisions based on subsystem readiness.

What You Bring

• Deep experience in avionics, electrical engineering, or communications, with significant hands-on experience designing and testing spacecraft or aerospace systems.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and mentoring teams, with a proven track record of leading others and fostering collaboration alongside technical management expertise.
• Proven expertise in power systems, telemetry, data handling, RF communication, digital and analog circuit design, and space-rated electronics.
• Technical leadership experience with a track record of managing small engineering teams and delivering complex projects to completion.
• Proficiency in power distribution and management for spacecraft systems, with an understanding of battery systems, solar power interfaces, and power converters.
• Strong project management skills, including workload balancing, task prioritization, and tracking progress to meet tight schedule and budget targets.
• Hands-on problem solver—you’re comfortable getting into the technical weeds to troubleshoot issues and work directly with your team on design and testing.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical topics to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Requirements

• Advanced experience in avionics, electrical engineering, or communications, with significant hands-on experience designing and testing spacecraft or aerospace systems.
• BS or MS in engineering, aerospace engineering, or related technical field.
• Previous experience leading a cross-functional team within the aerospace industry.

Additional Information

We Offer

Our cash compensation amount for this role is targeted at $170,000.00 - $200,000.00 annually in this location. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate experience and expertise and may vary from the amount listed above.

Top Benefits & Perks

As a member of the Karman+ team, you’ll enjoy an impressive benefits package:

• Equity Incentives - Participate in our shared success.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans for top tier plans with additional buy-up plan options.
• Short-term Disability and Long-term Disability covered by Karman+
• Basic Life Insurance covered by Karman+
• 401k plan
• Unlimited Paid Time Off - We focus on what you get done, not how many hours or days you work.

Location & Work Environment

This position is full-time in-person at our offices & lab in Denver, CO. If you reside in locations outside of daily commuting distance you will be considered, however, no relocation or travel assistance will be provided by Karman+ for this position. This position operates in an office environment. This entails working inside in an office space wherein you may be provided with a public work station (cubicle) or private offices. In the performance of the duties and responsibilities of this job, you will be required to view a computer terminal for prolonged periods of time.

Travel

Occasional travel to work site locations may be expected. Overnight stays may be required from time to time for training, seminars, conferences, meetings, events, or visits to onsite locations.

Disclaimer

This job posting is not intended to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required. Karman+ reserves the right to change or assign additional duties, responsibilities, and activities at any time with or without notice.

Hiring Practices

Karman+ is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or any employment decision based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact hr@karmanplus.com.

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