Senior Hardware Engineer, Orbital Infrastructure

Senior Hardware Engineer, Orbital Infrastructure

Join Armada’s mission to bring advanced edge computing infrastructure to remote regions where connectivity is limited. As a pioneer in deploying AI-grade compute in extreme environments, we’re building orbital data centers that process massive data loads in Low Earth Orbit.

Armada is an edge computing startup that provides computing infrastructure to remote areas, enabling real-time analytics and AI at the edge. We bridge the digital divide with advanced technology infrastructure that can be rapidly deployed anywhere.

At Armada, we’re building the next industrial frontier. Our Galleon data centers already bring AI-grade compute to rugged terrestrial environments. Now we are expanding upward, creating the Orbital Galleon—a modular, high‑compute orbital data center for data in LEO and beyond.

This veteran role focuses on the physical architecture of space‑based servers. You will design the guts of our orbital assets, selecting silicon, designing custom PCBAs for power delivery, and working with global component manufacturers to adapt terrestrial data center hardware for space.

San Francisco, CA, Bellevue, WA, or Remote (USA)

• Lead component strategy and architecture for CPUs, GPUs, and high‑density NVMe storage.
• Architect custom server sleds and high‑speed backplanes, ensuring signal integrity for PCIe Gen 5/6 and CXL links.
• Act as primary technical contact for Tier 1 component vendors, modifying firmware and hardware for orbital stability.
• Design conduction‑based cooling with PCM or advanced heat pipes for zero‑air environments.
• Lead space‑adaptation of terrestrial hardware with shielding, reinforcements, and conductive cooling paths.
• Oversee the hardware testing lifecycle, from bread boarding to TVAC and vibration qualification.

• 10+ years of hands‑on hardware engineering focused on server‑class hardware, HPC, or ruggedized electronics.
• Strong relationships with major semiconductor and data‑center component vendors.
• Expert knowledge of x86/ARM architectures, memory hierarchies, and high‑speed interconnects.
• Proficiency in‑speed PCBA design (Altium, Cadence, or Allegro) for power‑dense environments.
• BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.

• Experience designing hardware that has flown and operated in LEO/GEO.
• Expertise in mitigating SEE and TID through redundancy and shielding.
• Experience interfacing high‑compute payloads with satellite buses and power systems.
• Familiarity with rigorous testing standards (MIL‑STD or equivalent aerospace protocols).

U.S. Based candidates: $144,000 – $180,000 USD base salary, plus equity and subsidized benefits, with details available upon request.

• Competitive base salary and equity
• Medical, dental, and vision (subsidized)
• HSA, FSA, and DCFSA
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) plans
• Unlimited PTO
• 15 paid company holidays per year

• A go‑getter with a growth mindset, intellectually curious, and business‑savvy.
• A detail‑oriented problem‑solver with independent research and a “get‑it‑done” attitude.
• Thriving in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• A collaborative team player focused on business success.
• Highly organized, results‑driven, with strong prioritization skills.

Armada is an equal‑opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristics and base hiring on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Armada does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidates from agencies without a signed agreement. Apply directly through our careers page.