Senior Hardware Engineer, Orbital Infrastructure
Armada is seeking a Senior Hardware Engineer to lead the design and component strategy for our orbital compute nodes. This role focuses on developing the physical architecture of space-based servers, requiring expertise in server-level hardware and data center components. The position is based in Bellevue, WA.
Key responsibilities include selecting CPUs, GPUs, and high-density NVMe storage, evaluating silicon based on performance-per-watt and radiation susceptibility. The engineer will architect custom server sleds and high-speed backplanes, ensuring signal integrity for PCIe Gen 5/6 and CXL links. Collaboration with Tier 1 component vendors to modify hardware for orbital stability is essential. Additionally, the role involves designing conduction-based cooling solutions and leading the adaptation of terrestrial hardware for space environments.
Candidates must have over 10 years of experience in hardware engineering, focusing on server-class hardware, high-performance computing, or ruggedized electronics. Strong relationships with major semiconductor and data center component vendors are required. Expertise in x86/ARM architectures, memory hierarchies, and high-speed interconnects is essential. Proficiency in high-speed PCB design using tools like Altium, Cadence, or Allegro is necessary. A BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field is required.
Preferred qualifications include experience designing hardware that has operated in LEO/GEO environments, expertise in mitigating radiation effects through hardware-level redundancy and shielding, experience interfacing high-compute payloads with standard satellite buses and power systems, and familiarity with rigorous testing standards for vacuum, thermal, and high-vibration environments.
The compensation for this role ranges from $157,600 to $197,000 annually, with additional equity options. Benefits include subsidized medical, dental, and vision plans, health savings and flexible spending accounts, retirement plan options including 401(k) and Roth 401(k), unlimited paid time off, and 14 paid company holidays per year.