Spacecraft Avionics Test Engineer II

Varda Space Industries•El Segundo, CA

1d•$119,543 - $172,673•Onsite

About The Position

As a Spacecraft Avionics Test Engineer II, you will design and operate critical systems that simulate and stress-test flight hardware, helping verify its readiness for spaceflight. The role supports Varda’s Winnebago-class spacecraft and future projects, including missions involving space manufacturing and hypersonic reentry testing. You will work with avionics, flight software, responsible engineers, and manufacturing teams to develop test systems, software, plans, and testbeds that validate spacecraft hardware and systems under demanding conditions.

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 sensor types including thermocouples, RTDs, and 4–20mA devices.
Proficiency with the Git source control system.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience standing up HITL 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 work environment that values innovation and tackling challenges, with a commitment to personal and professional growth.

Responsibilities

Design, build, and operate test systems for spacecraft avionics components and assemblies 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 testing strategies that verify avionics performance across extreme conditions.
Create comprehensive flight-hardware test plans 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 increasing test automation and efficiency.
Collaborate with avionics systems and flight software engineers to develop and operate Hardware in the Loop (HITL) testbeds that simulate the spacecraft on the ground and verify mission readiness.