AstroTalentSpace Jobs

Senior Space Systems Engineer, Avionics Verified today

Varda Space · El Segundo, CA · Electronics · first seen 2026-10-31
Apply at Varda Space →

About Varda

Varda is building commercial space infrastructure for in-orbit pharmaceutical processing and reliable reentry capsules. The company designs, builds, and operates W-Series vehicles in-house, including the Winnebago spacecraft, pharmaceutical processing payloads, C-PICA heat shields, and satellite buses.

The Role

As Senior Space Systems Engineer, Avionics, you will oversee the design, integration, and testing of avionics systems for the Winnebago spacecraft. You will ensure all systems are mission-ready for launch and orbital operations, working across electrical architecture, fault analysis, verification testing, and ground infrastructure. You will also participate in mission operations as an avionics specialist.

Your Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project scopes and requirements, guiding designs from concept to prototype and full-scale production
  • Develop electrical architecture, system diagrams, and budgets for power, telemetry, channel count, size, and mass predictions
  • Analyze architecture for faults and risks; develop comprehensive mitigation plans and Fault Detection Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) strategies
  • Conduct comprehensive verification plans for avionics systems on flight and Hardware In The Loop (HITL) hardware, ensuring readiness for launch and space/reentry operations
  • Participate in mission operations to determine system health and suggest corrective actions for reentry commit criteria
  • Oversee integration of Winnebago avionics systems and serve as primary point of contact for integrated systems investigations
  • Design, build, and operate HITL testbeds to simulate spacecraft systems on the ground
  • Develop avionics ground infrastructure, test racks, and R&D equipment; contribute to engineering best practices and test automation
  • Mentor and train new engineers, fostering continuous improvement within the team

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 Python programming and debugging
  • 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 for vehicle operating conditions
  • Strong project or program management skills
  • Relevant prior roles in avionics hardware, FPGA engineering, electronics test, or electrical systems engineering

Compensation and Location

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

ITAR and Employment Requirements

This position requires access to export-controlled items. Candidates must be a U.S. person, defined as: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or an individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Varda participates in the E-Verify employment eligibility verification program.