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Senior Avionics Test Engineer Verified today

Varda Space · El Segundo, CA · Electronics · first seen 2026-10-03
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About Varda

Varda is building commercial space infrastructure for in-orbit pharmaceutical processing and reentry capsules. The W-Series vehicles are designed, built, and operated in-house by Varda, including all payloads, capsules, heat shields, and satellite buses. Headquartered in El Segundo, California, with offices in Washington DC and Huntsville, Alabama.

About This Role

As a Senior Avionics Test Engineer, you will design and operate critical test systems that simulate and stress-test flight hardware to prove readiness for space. Your work ensures the W-Series 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, exercising them 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 meet performance standards across extreme conditions.
  • Craft comprehensive test plans for flight hardware and manage qualification, acceptance, and proto-flight tests.
  • Work with avionics test systems engineers and manufacturing engineers to standardize test software behavior, user interfaces, and data reporting.
  • Contribute to developing engineering best practices focused on test automation and efficiency.
  • Collaborate with avionics systems and flight software engineers to develop and operate Hardware in the Loop (HITL) testbeds simulating the spacecraft on the ground.
  • Mentor and train new engineers, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
  • At least 5 years of experience in system validation, component testing, or test software development, with at least 3 years working on aerospace test systems.
  • 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 including vibration shakers, TVAC chambers, or thermal chambers.
  • Strong project or program management skills.

Compensation and Location

  • Salary range (Engineer II): $119,543 to $152,749 per year.
  • On-site in El Segundo, California.
  • Eligible for stock options and/or long-term cash awards.

Benefits

Regular full-time employees receive:

  • Flexible PTO policy plus 12 paid holidays.
  • 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options.
  • Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance.
  • $120 per month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses.
  • 12 weeks of parental leave with supplemental disability leave for California mothers.
  • Family building, pregnancy, parenting, and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic.
  • Sponsored One Medical memberships.
  • Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match, immediately vested.
  • $20 per pay period cell phone reimbursement.
  • Relocation support for new hires, if needed.
  • Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly.
  • Company and team-bonding events, happy hours, and mission-success celebrations.
  • Complimentary EV charging.

ITAR and Employment Requirements

Varda hires only U.S. persons who may access export-controlled technology without an export license. U.S. person means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or individual admitted as a refugee or granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). Varda participates in E-Verify.