Senior Spacecraft Avionics Test Engineer
About The Position
Varda is developing commercial space infrastructure, including in-orbit pharmaceutical processing and reentry capsules. Its W-Series vehicles and associated 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 Senior Spacecraft Avionics Test Engineer designs and operates systems that simulate and stress-test flight hardware, helping verify spacecraft readiness for flight. The role supports Varda’s Winnebago-class spacecraft and future projects, ensuring vehicle systems meet mission objectives. Work includes testing avionics components and assemblies, developing test software and plans, supporting hardware-in-the-loop testbeds, and improving test automation and engineering practices. The position is on-site in El Segundo, California.
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 be a U.S. person authorized to access export-controlled technology without an export license.
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, collaborative environment, tackle challenges, and commit to personal and professional growth.
Responsibilities
- Design, build, and operate test systems for spacecraft avionics components and assemblies, including for environmental stress testing 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 strategies for verifying 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, with a focus on increasing 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 and verify mission readiness.
- Mentor and train new engineers and support a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
Benefits
- 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
