Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer, Avionics

Varda Space Industries•El Segundo, CA

1d•$140,333 - $202,703•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer, Avionics oversees the design, integration, and testing of avionics systems for Varda’s Winnebago Spaceship. The role ensures systems are ready for launch and operations and requires expertise in avionics design, manufacturing processes, and operational protocols. The engineer works closely with cross-functional engineering teams to resolve conflicting requirements and achieve integrated vehicle solutions supporting space manufacturing and hypersonic reentry testing. The position also participates in mission operations, evaluates system health, and supports operational decisions for reentry commit criteria. It involves developing and operating hardware-in-the-loop testbeds and avionics ground infrastructure, improving testing practices, and mentoring engineers. This is an on-site role in El Segundo, California. The listed annual salary range is $140,333–$202,703. The role is eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards. Because the work involves access to export-controlled items, applicants must meet the stated U.S.-person requirement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
At least 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 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, or 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 to communicate vehicle solutions aligned with company objectives.
Analyze architectures for faults and risks, develop mitigation plans, resolve uncertainties, and collaborate on FDIR or operational workarounds when hardware solutions are unfeasible.
Conduct verification plans for avionics systems on flight and HITL hardware to ensure launch readiness and compliance with mission objectives for space and reentry operations.
Participate in mission operations as an avionics specialist or system operator, determining system health and suggesting corrective actions related to reentry commit criteria.
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 verify mission readiness.
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, with a focus on increased test automation and efficiency.
Mentor and train new engineers, fostering learning and continuous improvement.