Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer, Avionics
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 avionics systems are ready for launch and operational phases, drawing on knowledge of avionics design, manufacturing processes, and operational protocols. The engineer works closely with cross-functional teams, reconciles competing requirements, and supports seamless system integration so the vehicle can meet mission objectives from space manufacturing through hypersonic reentry testing. This position also participates in mission operations, serves as a specialist or system operator, and helps assess system health and recommend corrective actions. It contributes to ground infrastructure, test automation, engineering practices, and team development. The role is on-site in El Segundo, California.
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 architectures, system diagrams, and budgets covering power, telemetry, channel count, size, and mass predictions to communicate vehicle solutions against 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 not feasible.
- Develop and conduct comprehensive verification plans for flight and Hardware In The Loop (HITL) avionics 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 for reentry commit criteria and operational success.
- Oversee integration of Winnebago avionics systems and act 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 increasing test automation and efficiency.
- Mentor and train new engineers, fostering learning and continuous improvement.
Benefits
- Eligible for 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
