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Job Title: Director of Hardware Engineering

Job Description

Join an innovative, VC-funded space startup in Seattle, WA, at the forefront of Geospatial Intelligence. Our technology focuses on scalable electronically-steered radar (ESR) for sophisticated spaceborne applications such as earth observation using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) techniques and advanced defense missions. As the Director of Hardware Engineering, you will lead the design, development, qualification, and deployment of our scalable radar systems for advanced spaceborne ISR missions.

What You'll Do:

+ Lead the definition of hardware system architecture for electronically-steered radar subsystems, including antennas, RF front-ends, power electronics, high-speed digital and mixed-signal electronics, and embedded processing hardware.

+ Direct full product lifecycle execution, from requirements and architecture to detailed design, prototype build, environmental qualification, manufacturing introduction, and spacecraft integration.

+ Recruit, hire, manage, and mentor cross-disciplinary engineering teams, fostering a culture of ownership and innovation.

+ Collaborate closely with system engineering, software/firmware, and operations to ensure coherent hardware-software interaction and robust performance.

+ Own hardware verification and validation and technology readiness level advancement strategy, including signal/power integrity analysis and environmental testing.

+ Work with the Program Management Office to manage schedules, budgets, risk mitigation, and resource plans.

+ Drive manufacturability, cost efficiency, and quality through Design for Excellence principles and new product introduction hand-off.

+ Engage with customers, suppliers, and subcontractors throughout the product development life cycle.

What You'll Bring:

+ BS/MS/PhD in Physics, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent)

+ Eligible for US DoD TS/SCI clearance

+ 4+ years of engineering leadership experience

+ Background in mission-critical space or defense hardware

+ Technical expertise in RF/Microwave, antennas, radar, high-speed digital/mixed-signal, and power electronics

+ Knowledge of PCB design, EMI/EMC practices, and thermal/mechanical packaging for high-reliability systems

+ Experience qualifying hardware for environmental and radiation conditions and supporting deployments

+ Understanding of program planning, budgets, schedules, and risk management

+ Strong communication and presentation skills

Bonus If You Have The Following:

+ Experience with electronically-steered or phased-array radar systems.

+ Familiarity with space-qualified component engineering and radiation-tolerant design trade-offs.

+ Experience in defense contracting environments or ISR/target-tracking radar missions.

+ Exposure to hardware manufacturing scaling and lean development practices.

+ Experience collaborating across global supply chains and managing subcontractors.

Work Environment

Work from our office in Seattle, WA, in a startup environment focused on innovative spaceborne technologies in Low Earth Orbit.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Seattle, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $198000.00 - $242000.00/yr.

Base Salary + Equity Options: Choose the mix that fits your priorities—higher base salary with lower equity or lower salary with higher equity for greater long-term upside. Ownership Opportunity: Equity grants give you a stake in Kapta Space’s growth and success as we scale in the geospatial intelligence market. Relocation Assistance: Negotiable during compensation call with CEO to support candidates moving to the Seattle area.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Seattle,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jan 2, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.