Avionics Test Engineer II Verified today

About Varda

Varda is accelerating commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reentry capsules. Varda's W-Series vehicles are designed, built, and operated in-house, including pharmaceutical processing payloads, capsules, C-PICA heat shields, and satellite buses. The company is headquartered in El Segundo, California, with additional offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.

About This Role

As an Avionics Test Engineer II, you will play a key role in designing and operating critical systems that simulate and stress-test flight hardware. Your work ensures Varda's Winnebago-class spacecraft and future projects meet mission objectives, from space manufacturing to hypersonic reentry testing.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and operate test systems for spacecraft avionics components and assemblies to exercise components during environmental stress testing and acceptance testing.
• Develop software in Python 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 ensuring avionics products meet performance standards across extreme conditions.
• Craft comprehensive test plans for flight hardware, and manage and conduct qualification, acceptance, and proto-flight tests.
• Work closely with avionics test systems engineers and manufacturing engineers to standardize test software behavior, user interfaces, and data reporting.
• Contribute to developing engineering best practices, focusing on increased test automation and efficiency.
• Collaborate with avionics systems and flight software engineers to develop and operate Hardware in the Loop (HITL) testbeds to simulate the spacecraft on the ground and ensure all systems are mission-ready.

Basic Qualifications

• 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 Git source control system.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 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 (vibration shakers, TVAC chambers, or thermal chambers).
• Strong project or program management skills.

Compensation

Salary range: $119,543 to $152,749 per year. Leveling and base salary determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance. Eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards.

Workplace

This role is on-site in El Segundo, California.

Benefits

Regular full-time employees receive: flexible PTO policy plus 12 paid holidays; 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options; $120/month wellness reimbursement; 12 weeks parental leave; 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested); $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement; relocation support; fully stocked kitchen with daily lunch and twice-weekly dinner; company and team-bonding events; and complimentary EV charging.

ITAR Requirements

Varda employees have access to export-controlled items. The company only hires U.S. persons: U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, or individuals admitted as refugees or granted asylum.