Electrical Engineer
Kapta Space
Job Description
Overview Kapta Space, a VCâfunded earlyâstage startup in Seattle, WA, is breaking new ground in Geospatial Intelligence. Our technology centers around a proven, scalable electronicallyâsteered radar for sophisticated spaceborne applications such as earth observation using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) techniques, and for advanced defense missions target tracking on the ground and in the air. As an Electrical Engineer , you will design, develop, qualify, and deploy the electronic subsystems that power our spaceborne electronicallyâsteered radar systems.
You will contribute to missionâcritical hardware across power electronics, highâspeed digital and mixedâsignal electronics, RF frontâends, and embedded processing hardware. You will help take products from concept through flight, collaborating across disciplines to deliver highâperformance and highly reliable hardware for harsh LEO environments. Responsibilities Support the definition, design, and implementation of electrical subsystem architectures for electronicallyâsteered radar, including power systems, mixedâsignal electronics, digital control boards, RF frontâend interfaces, and embedded processing circuitry Execute full product lifecycle activities: requirements development, detailed design, schematic capture, PCB layout collaboration, prototype build, bringâup, debug, and qualification Perform handsâon bench testing, characterization, and rootâcause analysis across power, digital, and mixedâsignal circuits, using standard lab instrumentation Develop and execute environmental and functional test plans to ensure hardware reliability in thermalâvacuum, vibration/shock, EMI/EMC, and radiation environments Create and maintain engineering documentation including schematics, BOMs, test procedures, configuration records, and integration guides Collaborate closely with systems engineering, RF/antenna, mechanical/thermal, software/firmware, and manufacturing partners to ensure seamless integration and robust hardwareâsoftware performance Support manufacturability and costâefficient production through DFX principles and NPI handoff to production partners Engage with suppliers, fabrication partners, and subcontractors throughout the product development lifecycle Required Qualifications BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline 5+ years of handsâon experience designing, building, and testing electronic systems (power electronics, mixedâsignal, digital, or RFâadjacent) Proficiency with schematic design tools and familiarity with PCB layout workflows Strong understanding of EMI/EMC fundamentals, grounding, signal integrity, power integrity, and highâreliability design practices Experience performing benchâlevel bringâup and debug using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power supplies, signal generators, and related equipment Demonstrated ability to support hardware through environmental qualification (thermal, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC, TVAC, etc.) or willingness to learn quickly Ability to work crossâfunctionally on multiâdisciplinary hardware teams in a fastâmoving startup environment Excellent communication skills, with ability to clearly present technical findings and collaborate effectively across engineering functions Must be eligible to obtain and hold a US DoD security clearance Bonus Experience with electronicallyâsteered or phasedâarray radar systems, mixedâsignal analog front ends, or RF/antenna electronics Familiarity with radiationâtolerant design, COTSâtoâspace conversion strategies, and componentâlevel derating approaches for LEO environments Experience with highâspeed digital design, DDR interfaces, FPGA/SoC power architectures, or precision timing/synchronization circuitry Familiarity with modeling and simulation tools for signal integrity, power integrity, RF, or thermal/structural analysis Experience qualifying hardware for space, defense, or other highâreliability environments Exposure to manufacturing scaling, DFM for electronics, or lean hardware development practices Experience coordinating with global suppliers, electronics manufacturers, and specialized test facilities Legal & Security Requirements U.S.
Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, Or Refugee/Asylee Status Required To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Kapta Employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful U.S. permanent residents (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or Commerce as applicable.
Diversity & Inclusion Kapta Space is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe that diversity drives innovation, strengthens our team, and broadens our capabilities. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. Recruitment Notice Kapta Space does not engage with external recruiters or agencies without prior written agreement. If you are a recruiter (individual or agency) and wish to engage with Kapta Space for talent acquisition, please email hr@kaptaspace.com .
Application Process We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. All final hiring decisions are made by humans. #J-18808-Ljbffr