Senior Spacecraft Avionics Test Engineer Verified today

About Varda

Varda is accelerating commercial space infrastructure development, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reentry capsules. The W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated in-house by Varda, including payloads, capsules, heat shields, and satellite buses. Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California with offices and a production facility.

About This Role

As Senior Spacecraft Avionics Test Engineer, you will design and operate critical test systems that simulate and stress-test flight hardware to prove it is ready for space. Your expertise will ensure the Winnebago-class spacecraft meets mission objectives across space manufacturing and hypersonic reentry conditions.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and operate test systems for spacecraft avionics components and assemblies to fully exercise components during environmental stress testing and component 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 innovative testing strategies to ensure avionics products meet performance standards across extreme conditions.
• Craft comprehensive test plans for flight hardware and manage 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.
• Mentor and train new engineers, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a 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 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
• On-site in El Segundo, CA
• Eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards

ITAR Requirements

This position requires US person status as defined by ITAR regulations. US person means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum).