[Phenix Space] Founding Avionics Engineer
full-time•San Francisco
About this role
About Phenix Space
Phenix Space is a venture backed startup building the upgradeable Space layer for Earth’s critical industries. We use robotics and physical AI to enable assembly of space assets unlocking enormous capabilities for individual satellites and making them upgradeable. Phenix Space enables evolution in orbit.
About the Role
Phenix Space is seeking an Avionics Engineer to lead the development of space-rated robotics hardware. This role will focus on hardware design, embedded systems development, real-time control, and power-efficient computing for Phenix’s robotic module.
You will work on system integration, power management, actuation, sensor fusion, and embedded software, ensuring that our robotic system meets space-grade performance, endurance, and autonomy requirements.
This is an opportunity to develop cutting-edge robotics and embedded systems for next-generation space infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities
Prototype & Hardware Development
- Design, build, and iterate on the foldable robotic arm prototype, focusing on sensors, actuation, cabling, and power systems.
- Transition from initial prototypes to space-ready designs, ensuring robustness and system scalability.
- Design, develop, and test space-ready PCBs and circuits for custom electronics, sensors, and power management.
System Integration & Embedded Systems
- Develop and implement real-time control systems (HAL level) for robotic actuation and sensors.
- Design power-efficient compute architectures, optimizing for radiation resistance and in-space power constraints.
- Lead architectural decisions and system design.
- Integrate buses & middleware: EtherCAT, CAN-FD, SPI/I2C, UART/RS-485
- Select and integrate space-grade components.
Testing & Space-Readiness
- Support reliability and environmental testing (thermal, vacuum, vibration) with third-party space-grade testing providers.
- Iterate on flight-ready designs based on mechanical, thermal, and radiation test results.
- Assist in developing space-grade manufacturing processes for Phenix’s robotic module.
Supply Chain & Vendor Management
- Work with key vendors and suppliers for critical robotic and space-qualified components.
- Work with manufacturing partners to develop and source high-reliability actuators, sensors, and electronics.
Qualifications
- Master’s or PhD in electrical engineering, mechatronics, aerospace engineering, or equivalent work experience.
- 3+ years of experience in space working with mechatronics, electrical engineering, or embedded systems development.
- Hands-on experience designing and building electromechanical systems for space applications.
- Strong expertise in embedded programming (C/C++) for real-time and safety-critical systems.
- Understanding of EtherCAT, CAN, I2C, SPI, and low-level communication protocols.
- Proficiency in power management, battery systems, and circuit design (PCB, microcontrollers, FPGAs, sensors) for space applications.
- Familiarity with actuation systems, including motors, servos, and mechanical linkages.
- Knowledge of thermal, vibration, and radiation testing for space applications.
Preferred Qualifications
- Background in space systems, satellite bus integration, or in-space robotics.
- Experience with motors used in space systems and their thermal and radiation considerations.
- Experience with shielding or radiation hardening circuits or components for space applications.
- Familiarity with radiation-hardened processors and space-grade materials.
- Hands-on experience in designing and testing radiation-resistant embedded systems for extreme environments.
- Experience with FPGAs or ASICs-based designs.
- [Bonus] Experience with optical systems (RGB, depth) for perception-based automation.
- [Bonus] Experience with analog systems and related integrations.
Why Join Us?
- Develop a high-impact autonomous space robotics system with a world-class team.
- Work in a highly autonomous manner. Your work will be wide-ranging with multiple cross-functional contributions.
- Grow into a leader of a company, enabling revolutionary capabilities in next-generation space systems.
- Work in a fast-moving, high-stakes engineering environment where your contributions will directly shape the future of space infrastructure.
- Solve complex challenges in robotic actuation, space-rated computing, and AI-driven control.
- Collaborate with leading experts in robotics, aerospace, and AI to push the boundaries of autonomous servicing technologies.
Other facts
Tech stack
Avionics Engineering,Embedded Systems,Robotics,Power Management,Sensor Fusion,Real-Time Control,Hardware Design,System Integration,PCB Design,Actuation Systems,Communication Protocols,Testing,Space Applications,Mechatronics,Electromechanical Systems,Radiation Resistance
About Cox Exponential
CX2 (Cox Exponential) is the early stage venture vehicle for Cox Enterprises. Founded by technologists with decades of experience leading startups and building AI/ML products, CX2 partners with exceptional entrepreneurs and early stage companies to maximize their business potential.
Team size: 2-10 employees
Website: https://cx2.vc
LinkedIn: Visit
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals
What you'll do
- The Avionics Engineer will lead the development of space-rated robotics hardware, focusing on hardware design, embedded systems, and real-time control. Responsibilities include prototyping, system integration, and ensuring space-grade performance of robotic systems.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a [Phenix Space] Founding Avionics Engineer do at Cox Exponential?
As a [Phenix Space] Founding Avionics Engineer at Cox Exponential, you will: the Avionics Engineer will lead the development of space-rated robotics hardware, focusing on hardware design, embedded systems, and real-time control. Responsibilities include prototyping, system integration, and ensuring space-grade performance of robotic systems..
Why join Cox Exponential as a [Phenix Space] Founding Avionics Engineer?
Cox Exponential is a leading Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals company.
Is the [Phenix Space] Founding Avionics Engineer position at Cox Exponential remote?
The [Phenix Space] Founding Avionics Engineer position at Cox Exponential is based in San Francisco, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.
How do I apply for the [Phenix Space] Founding Avionics Engineer position at Cox Exponential?
You can apply for the [Phenix Space] Founding Avionics Engineer position at Cox Exponential directly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process. You can also learn more about Cox Exponential on their website.