Space Avionics Test Engineer II

Varda Space•El Segundo, CA

19h•Onsite

About The Position

Varda is developing commercial space infrastructure, including in-orbit pharmaceutical processing and reentry capsules. Its W-Series vehicles—including 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 Space Avionics Test Engineer II will design and operate systems that simulate and stress-test spacecraft flight hardware. The role supports the Winnebago-class spacecraft and future projects, helping verify that avionics components and systems meet mission objectives and are ready for flight. The engineer will develop test software and plans, conduct hardware testing, and collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to improve test automation and readiness.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
At least 3 years of experience in system validation, component testing, or test software development.
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.

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, team-oriented environment that values innovation and tackling challenges, with openness to diverse tasks and 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.
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.
Contribute to engineering best practices, with a focus 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.