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Senior Space Systems Engineer, Avionics Verified today

Varda Space · El Segundo, CA · Electronics · first seen 2026-10-02
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About Varda

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

About This Role

The Senior Space Systems Engineer, Avionics oversees the design, integration, and testing of avionics systems for the Winnebago Spaceship. You will ensure all systems are ready for launch and operational phases, requiring deep understanding of avionics design, manufacturing, and operational protocols. You will collaborate across engineering teams and navigate conflicting requirements to achieve seamless system integration, ensuring the vehicle meets mission objectives from space manufacturing through hypersonic reentry.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project scopes and initial requirements, guiding designs from concept to prototype and full-scale production.
  • Develop electrical architecture, system diagrams, and budgets accounting for power, telemetry, channel count, size, and mass predictions.
  • Analyze architecture for faults and risks, develop mitigation plans, and collaborate on Fault Detection Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) or operational workarounds.
  • Conduct comprehensive verification plans for avionics systems on flight and HITL hardware, ensuring readiness for launch and mission compliance.
  • Participate in mission operations as an Avionics specialist, determining system health and suggesting corrective actions for reentry commit criteria.
  • Oversee integration of Winnebago avionics systems as the primary point of contact for integrated systems investigations.
  • Design, build, and operate Hardware In The Loop (HITL) testbeds simulating the spacecraft on the ground.
  • Develop avionics ground infrastructure, support design and integration of test racks and R&D equipment, and contribute to engineering best practices.
  • 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 technical field.
  • 5+ years of experience in system design, test planning, and validation.
  • Proficiency in programming and debugging with Python.
  • Experience with power supplies, modular DAQ systems, RTD and 4-20mA devices, and general test equipment.

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Proven experience taking vehicle electrical systems from concept to operational production.
  • Prior experience setting up HITL testbeds, managing configuration control, and conducting system-level tests.
  • Familiarity with Unix environments and command line utilities.
  • Experience developing test cases and test equipment to meet vehicle operating conditions.
  • Strong project or program management skills.
  • Relevant prior roles: Avionics Hardware, FPGA Engineer, Electronics Test Engineer, Electrical Systems Engineer.

Compensation and Location

Salary range: $140,333 to $179,314 per year. This role is on-site in El Segundo, California. Base salary is determined by job-related skills, education, experience, and performance. You will be eligible for stock options and long-term cash awards.

Benefits

Regular full-time employees receive comprehensive benefits including flexible PTO plus 12 paid holidays, 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance for employees and dependents, employer-matched HSA options, $120 monthly wellness reimbursement, 12 weeks parental leave, 401(k) with 6% employer match (immediately vested), stock options, $20 per pay period cell phone reimbursement, relocation support, daily lunch and twice-weekly dinner, EV charging, and One Medical memberships.