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Senior Space Avionics Test Engineer Verified today

Varda Space · El Segundo, CA · Electronics · first seen 2026-10-31
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About Varda

Varda is building commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable reentry capsules. The W-Series vehicles are designed and operated in-house, including avionics, heat shields, and satellite buses.

The Role

As Senior Space Avionics Test Engineer, you will design and operate critical test systems that simulate and stress-test flight hardware for the Winnebago-class spacecraft. Your work ensures avionics are mission-ready for space manufacturing and hypersonic reentry.

Responsibilities

  • Design, build, and operate test systems for spacecraft avionics components and assemblies during environmental stress testing and 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 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 continuous improvement within the team.

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 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 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.

Compensation and Location

Salary range: $140,333 to $202,703 per year. This role is on-site in El Segundo, California. You will be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards. Base salary is determined by job-related skills, education, experience level, and job performance.

US Person Requirement

Varda employees have access to export-controlled items. We hire only US persons: U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (admitted as refugee or granted asylum).