Senior Avionics Test Engineer
About The Position
About Varda Low Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. Varda’s W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses. From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind. Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital. Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL. Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem. About This Role As an Avionics Test Engineer, you'll play a key role in the design and operation of critical systems that simulate and stress-test flight hardware to prove it is ready for its trip to space. Your work will be instrumental in ensuring the success of our Winnebago-class spacecraft and future ambitious projects. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring the vehicle meets its mission objectives, from space manufacturing to hypersonic testing during reentry. This is your opportunity to contribute to technologies that are defining the future of space exploration and make an impact that reaches far beyond the stars.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
- At least 5 years of experience in system validation, component testing, or test software development with at least 3 years working on aerospace test systems.
- Proficiency in programming and debugging with Python.
- Experience with electronics test equipment including power supplies, DAQ systems, electronic loads, oscilloscopes and multimeters.
- Familiarity with common sensor types, including thermocouples, RTDs and 4-20mA devices.
- Proficiency with Git source control system.
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience standing up HITL testbeds, managing configuration control, and driving and operating system-level tests.
- Familiarity with Unix environments.
- Experience developing test cases and test equipment to meet vehicle operating conditions.
- Experience operating environmental test equipment (vibration shakers, TVAC chambers, or thermal chambers).
- Strong project or program management skills.
- Thrive in a dynamic work environment that values teamwork, innovation, and tackling challenges head-on.
- Be prepared for exposure to diverse tasks and a commitment to personal and professional growth.
Responsibilities
- Design, build, and operate test systems for spacecraft avionics components and assemblies to fully exercise components during environmental stress testing and component acceptance testing.
- Develop software in Python to implement and execute test procedures, analyze test data, assess pass/fail criteria, and generate test reports.
- Collaborate with component Responsible Engineers (REs) to identify test cases and develop innovative testing strategies to ensure avionics products meet their intended performance standards across extreme conditions.
- Craft comprehensive test plans for flight hardware, manage and conduct qualification, acceptance, and proto-flight tests.
- Work closely with avionics test systems engineers and manufacturing engineers to standardize test software behavior, user interfaces, and data reporting.
- Contribute to developing engineering best practices, focusing on increased test automation and efficiency.
- Collaborate with avionics systems and flight software engineers to develop and operate Hardware in the Loop (HITL) testbeds to simulate the spacecraft on the ground and ensure all systems are mission-ready.
- Draw from your experiences to help mentor and train new engineers, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the team.
Benefits
- Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays
- 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options
- Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance
- $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
- 12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)
- Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic
- Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents
- Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up
- 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
- $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
- Relocation support for new hires, if needed
- Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
- Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
- Complimentary EV charging
- Paid observed holidays (for interns)
- Up to $4,000 gross up in relocation support, if eligible (for interns)
- Up to $850 commute credit through Lyft or car rental reimbursement, if eligible (for interns)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
