Senior Electrical Engineer - Subsystem

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc offers advanced solutions to meet the most complex U.S. defense, security, space, and intelligence requirements. Celebrating over 50 years in the US, we remain a trusted government partner, leveraging world-class satellite, laser communication, rotor and fixed wing solutions to help our national security, defense and space focused customers meet their missions.

Airbus U.S. looks to employ a commitment driven team, dedicated to enabling our customer's mission success. We are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment and a welcoming and engaging staff. With competitive compensation and superior employee benefits, as well as a commitment to fostering individual career growth, Airbus U.S. is the place where top talent wants to work.

Position Summary

As a Senior Electrical Subsystem Engineer at Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, you will play a critical leadership role within the Electrical Manufacturing Engineering team, providing deep technical expertise and ownership of satellite electrical subsystems. Your primary focus will include the integration, test definition, execution, and continuous improvement of subsystems such as Electrical Power Systems (EPS), Data Handling Systems (DHS), Attitude and Orbit Control Systems (AOCS), Radio Frequency (RF) Systems, and the Test Environment. You will serve as a key technical liaison across cross-functional teams and act as a mentor to junior engineers, ensuring subsystem performance, quality, and reliability across Airbus' satellite programs.

Responsibilities

Test Script Development & Debugging

• Lead the definition to validate test scripts for one or more satellite electrical subsystems (EPS, DHS, AOCS, RF).
• Support diagnosing and resolving complex issues during integration and test campaigns.
• Collaborate with software engineering teams to enhance automation, test coverage, and debugging efficiency.
• Guide junior engineers in script validation and troubleshooting methodologies.

Subsystem Control & Integration

• Take ownership of subsystem integration activities, ensuring compatibility and performance across spacecraft systems.
• Monitor subsystem performance and lead investigations to resolve discrepancies during testing and integration.
• Lead test campaigns, ensuring rigorous adherence to procedures, documentation standards, and program timelines.

Collaboration & Coordination

• Work closely with Systems Engineers, Hardware Engineers, and Test Engineers to align subsystem development with overall satellite design.
• Provide leadership in the creation and execution of verification and validation plans.
• Analyze test data to assess performance trends and drive continuous design optimization.

Continuous Improvement & Documentation

• Drive improvements in test protocols, test infrastructure, and subsystem documentation across the development lifecycle.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of processes to increase efficiency, reliability, and traceability.
• Stay current with emerging industry technologies and practices relevant to satellite electrical subsystems.
• Provide mentorship and technical direction to less experienced engineers.

Other Duties as Assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field required.
• Master's degree preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum 8-12 years of experience in electrical subsystem engineering within satellite or aerospace environments.
• Demonstrated experience with one or more satellite subsystems: EPS, DHS, AOCS, RF, or test environments.
• Proven success in developing and executing test scripts, debugging hardware/software systems, and supporting subsystem integration and test campaigns.
• Experience providing technical leadership or mentoring within engineering teams.

Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities:

Electrical Subsystems Expertise

• Deep knowledge of satellite electrical subsystems, including power systems, data handling, attitude/orbit control, RF systems, and associated ground support environments.
• Familiarity with satellite-level system integration and subsystem-level failure analysis.

Testing & Debugging

• Expertise in developing and executing test plans, performing root cause analysis, and refining test processes.
• Proficient in the use of test equipment (oscilloscopes, signal generators, multimeters, power supplies, etc.).
• Experienced in debugging complex subsystem issues across hardware and software interfaces.

Communication & Leadership

• Strong verbal and written communication skills for technical discussions, documentation, and reporting.
• Experience leading subsystem technical efforts and mentoring junior team members.
• Ability to represent subsystem engineering in program reviews and customer discussions.

Attributes

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on quality and documentation.
• Comfortable working under deadlines in fast-paced environments.
• Proactive mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement and team collaboration.

Technical Systems Proficiency:

• Proficient in scripting/programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW).
• Experience with simulation and modeling tools for electrical systems (e.g. AutoCAD, SolidWorks)
• Familiar with test management tools and satellite development software.
• Working knowledge of Atlassian JIRA/Confluence, PLM systems, MES tools, SAP, and Microsoft Office 365.

Travel Required:

• Up to 15% (domestic/international)

Eligibility:

• U.S. Citizenship required

Clearance:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
• Active DoD Top Secret/SCI clearance highly desirable.

Physical Requirements:

• Carrying: able to carry documents and/or electronic equipment up to 20lbs/9kg.
• Lifting: able to lift documents and/or electronic equipment up to 20lbs/9kg.
• Pushing/Pulling: able to push/pull items in office areas.
• Sitting: able to sit for extended periods of time at computer and in meetings.
• Squatting/Kneeling: able to occasionally squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items shelved on bottom shelves.
• Standing: able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Travel: able to travel independently and at short notice.
• Walking: able to walk through office and production areas including uneven surfaces.

Equal Opportunity:

Airbus provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or other legally protected status. In addition to federal law requirements, Airbus complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, demotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. Airbus expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status.

As a matter of policy, Airbus does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered. Airbus does not offer tenured or guaranteed employment. Employment with Airbus is at will, meaning either the company or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice. Airbus reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

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Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to HR@airbusus.com.