Approach Venture ยท 1 day ago
Lead Magnetics Engineer - Spacecraft
Golden, CO
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$130K/yr - $180K/yr
5+ years expApproach Venture is a seed-stage space technology startup focused on developing modular spacecraft platforms. The Lead Magnetics Engineer will own the architecture and development of electromagnetic systems that enable autonomous assembly and operation of spacecraft in orbit.
Management Consulting
Hiring Manager
Torey Bell
Responsibilities
Develop the overall magnetics strategy enabling autonomous assembly, alignment, and connection between modular spacecraft
Create attraction, retention, and actuation concepts using hybrid and electro-permanent magnetic approaches
Perform field modeling, simulation, and optimization to shape system performance and force behavior
Design coils, assemblies, drivers, and sensing approaches suitable for vacuum and orbital conditions
Build and iterate prototype hardware through lab testing and qualification preparation
Evaluate reliability, manufacturability, and lifecycle durability across the electromagnetic platform
Partner with GNC, structural, avionics, and software teams to integrate magnetic behavior at the system level
Support technology maturation, risk reduction, and IP development initiatives
Qualification
Required
5+ years of hands-on experience designing electromagnetic systems or magnetic actuation hardware
Strong proficiency using EM simulation and finite element tools such as COMSOL, FEMM, or ANSYS Maxwell
Demonstrated background validating magnetic hardware experimentally, including force and control testing
Ability to translate modeling and analysis into compact, high-performance physical designs
Experience leading technical development as a subject-matter expert
Advanced degree in a relevant field such as electrical engineering, applied physics, or mechanical engineering (PhD preferred)
Preferred
Direct experience designing hardware intended for spacecraft or spaceflight applications
Exposure to environmental testing, radiation considerations, thermal challenges, or vacuum performance
Background working with precision sensing, actuation, or control systems in aerospace environments
Experience taking hardware from prototype through flight-intent maturity
Prior work within small engineering teams or startup environments
Company
Approach Venture
Enabling founding teams building the future of frontier technology to achieve their full potential.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Bryce Dabbs
Founder & CEO
Tristan Cembrinski
Partner
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