Senior Electrical Engineer

Company: Approach Venture
Location: El Segundo
Posted on: February 10, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Senior Electrical Engineer – Help Build Flight-Ready Hardware for Next-Generation Space & Defense Systems! El Segundo, CA | On-site Opportunity Summary An early-stage, venture-backed frontier technology startup is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to take ownership of high-reliability electronics powering advanced interceptor prototypes and future space systems operating in very low Earth orbit. This role sits at the core of hardware development, spanning power architecture, avionics, sensing, embedded interfaces, and ruggedized flight hardware. You will work directly with technical leadership to design, build, test, and iterate mission-critical electronics from concept through flight-ready systems. If you thrive in fast-moving environments where prototypes turn into real-world hardware quickly and engineering challenges push the limits of performance, reliability, and physics, this is a chance to make a direct impact on cutting-edge national security technology. About Us We are a fast-growing engineering startup focused on developing autonomous space and defense platforms that merge advanced sensing, guidance, and high-performance hardware into systems designed for extreme environments. Our team is small, highly technical, and built around ownership, rapid execution, and real-world testing. From aggressive prototyping to flight qualification, every engineer plays a central role in shaping both the product and the company’s future. Job Duties Design and develop custom PCBs supporting avionics, sensing, power management, and actuation systems Own full electrical lifecycle including schematic capture, layout, component sourcing, manufacturability, and vendor coordination Architect and implement robust power systems including DC-DC conversion, battery management, protection circuits, and transient handling Integrate sensors such as inertial units, navigation systems, imaging devices, and electromechanical components Build low-latency electrical interfaces enabling real-time control and autonomous operation Collaborate with embedded software engineers on microcontroller selection, hardware-firmware interfaces, and system bring-up Conduct hands-on debugging and testing using lab equipment including oscilloscopes, analyzers, and data acquisition tools Design electronics for harsh environments including thermal extremes, vibration, shock, radiation, and high-G conditions Support qualification testing including environmental chambers, vibration testing, and EMI/EMC validation Create technical documentation, test procedures, and system requirements Drive hardware from early prototype through validated, flight-ready configurations Qualifications B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline 5 years of experience in hardware design and system integration Proficiency with PCB design platforms such as Altium, KiCad, or comparable tools Strong hands-on experience with prototyping, soldering, rework, and hardware bring-up Solid foundation in mixed-signal electronics, power systems, signal integrity, grounding, and noise mitigation Experience integrating sensors, embedded systems, and power electronics into real-world hardware Comfortable owning projects end-to-end from design through testing and iteration Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills in fast-paced lab environments U.S. citizenship required Preferred Experience Work with imaging systems, RF electronics, or high-speed digital interfaces Background in aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomous vehicles, or satellite systems Familiarity with radiation effects, space-grade electronics, or high-G hardware design Embedded firmware development in C/C++ or similar environments Experience with motor control, actuator electronics, or power distribution systems Exposure to aerospace or military electronics standards such as EMI/EMC compliance and environmental qualification Why Join Us High ownership over mission-critical hardware systems Direct collaboration with founders and technical leadership Rapid prototyping and real-world testing environment Opportunity to shape early product architecture and company direction Work on technology with real national security and space impact Strong growth potential in a fast-scaling startup Benefits package Early-stage equity Compensation Details $130,000 - $190,000 LI-AV

Keywords: Approach Venture, Lake Elsinore , Senior Electrical Engineer, Engineering , El Segundo, California