Senior Spacecraft Avionics Test Engineer
About The Position
As a Senior Spacecraft Avionics Test Engineer, you will design and operate systems that simulate and stress-test flight hardware to verify its readiness for spaceflight. Your work will support Varda’s Winnebago-class spacecraft and future projects, helping ensure vehicles meet mission objectives spanning space manufacturing and hypersonic reentry testing. The role is on-site in El Segundo, California. Varda develops commercial space infrastructure, including in-orbit pharmaceutical processing and reentry capsules. Its spacecraft, pharmaceutical payloads, capsules, heat shields, and satellite buses are designed, built, and operated in-house. The company is headquartered in El Segundo, California, with additional offices in Washington, DC, and Huntsville, Alabama. The position involves developing Python-based test software, planning and conducting hardware tests, collaborating with engineering teams, building Hardware in the Loop testbeds, and improving test automation and engineering practices. The role also includes mentoring and training engineers. Candidates must be U.S. persons authorized to access export-controlled technology.
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 4-20mA devices.
- Proficiency with the Git source control system.
- Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) and authorized to work in the United States, due to access to export-controlled items.
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience establishing 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, team-oriented environment that values innovation, tackling challenges, and personal and professional growth.
Responsibilities
- Design, build, and operate test systems for spacecraft avionics components and assemblies, exercising components during environmental stress and acceptance testing.
- Develop Python software to implement and execute test procedures, analyze data, assess pass/fail criteria, and generate test reports.
- Work with component Responsible Engineers to identify test cases and develop testing strategies that verify 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.
- Develop engineering best practices focused on improving test automation and efficiency.
- Collaborate with avionics systems and flight software engineers to develop and operate Hardware in the Loop testbeds that simulate the spacecraft on the ground.
- 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
