Senior Space Systems Engineer, Avionics
About The Position
The Senior Space Systems Engineer, Avionics oversees the design, integration, and testing of avionics systems for Varda’s Winnebago Spaceship. The role ensures system readiness for launch and operational phases and requires expertise in avionics design, manufacturing processes, and operational protocols. The engineer works closely with cross-functional engineering teams, navigates competing requirements, and supports seamless system integration so the vehicle can meet mission objectives, including space manufacturing and hypersonic testing during reentry. The position is based on-site in El Segundo, California. The listed salary range is $140,333–$202,703 per year. The role is eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards. Varda hires U.S. persons for roles with access to export-controlled items.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
- 5+ years of experience in system design, test planning, and validation.
- Proficiency in programming and debugging with Python.
- Experience with power supplies, modular DAQ systems, RTD and 4-20mA devices, and general test equipment.
Nice To Haves
- Proven experience taking vehicle electrical systems from concept to operational production.
- Prior experience setting up HITL testbeds, managing configuration control, and conducting system-level tests.
- Familiarity with Unix environments and the ability to use command-line utilities.
- Experience developing test cases and test equipment to meet vehicle operating conditions.
- Strong project or program management skills.
- Relevant prior roles include Avionics Hardware, FPGA Engineer, Electronics Test Engineer, and Electrical Systems Engineer.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project scopes and initial requirements, guiding designs from concept through prototype and full-scale production.
- Develop electrical architecture, system diagrams, and budgets for power, telemetry, channel count, size, and mass predictions, communicating vehicle solutions in support of company-level objectives.
- Analyze architectures for faults and risks, develop mitigation plans, resolve uncertainties, and collaborate on Fault Detection Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) or operational workarounds when hardware solutions are unfeasible.
- Develop and conduct comprehensive verification plans for avionics systems on flight and Hardware In The Loop (HITL) hardware, ensuring readiness for launch and compliance with mission objectives for space and reentry operations.
- Participate in mission operations as an avionics specialist or system operator, determine system health, and suggest corrective actions to reentry commit criteria for operational success.
- Oversee integration of the Winnebago avionics systems and serve as the primary point of contact for integrated systems investigations.
- Design, build, and operate HITL testbeds that simulate the spacecraft on the ground and ensure systems are mission ready.
- Develop avionics ground infrastructure and support the design and integration of test racks and R&D equipment used to power and communicate with flight vehicles.
- Contribute to engineering best practices, focusing on increased test automation and efficiency.
- Mentor and train new engineers, fostering learning and continuous improvement within the team.
Benefits
- 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
