Senior Space Avionics Test Engineer
About The Position
Varda is hiring a Senior Space Avionics Test Engineer to design and operate systems that simulate and stress-test spacecraft flight hardware. The role supports the Winnebago-class spacecraft and future projects, helping verify that avionics are ready for flight and meet mission objectives spanning in-space manufacturing and hypersonic reentry testing. The engineer will develop test systems and Python software, plan and conduct hardware testing, and collaborate with avionics, manufacturing, and flight software teams. The role also contributes to test automation, engineering best practices, and mentoring other engineers. This is an on-site position in El Segundo, California. Salary range is $140,333–$202,703 per year, with eligibility for long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards. Due to access to export-controlled items, applicants must be U.S. persons as defined in the posting.
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, including 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 4–20 mA devices.
- Proficiency with Git source control.
- Must qualify as a U.S. person permitted to access export-controlled technology without an export license, as specified in the posting.
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience standing up Hardware in the Loop 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 such as vibration shakers, TVAC chambers, or thermal chambers.
- Strong project or program management skills.
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment emphasizing teamwork, innovation, and tackling challenges head-on, with openness to varied tasks and continued personal and professional growth.
Responsibilities
- Design, build, and operate test systems for spacecraft avionics components and assemblies, including environmental stress and component acceptance testing.
- Develop Python software to implement and execute test procedures, analyze test data, assess pass/fail criteria, and generate test reports.
- Collaborate with component Responsible Engineers to identify test cases and develop testing strategies for avionics performance across extreme conditions.
- Create test plans for flight hardware and manage and conduct qualification, acceptance, and proto-flight tests.
- Work with avionics test systems and manufacturing engineers to standardize test software behavior, user interfaces, and data reporting.
- Help develop engineering best practices focused on test automation and efficiency.
- Collaborate with avionics systems and flight software engineers to develop and operate Hardware in the Loop testbeds.
- Mentor and train new engineers and support a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
Benefits
- Eligibility for long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
