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Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer, Avionics Verified today

Varda Space · El Segundo, CA · Electronics · first seen 2026-09-27
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About Varda

Varda accelerates commercial space infrastructure, building in-orbit pharmaceutical processing systems, reentry capsules, heat shields, and satellite buses. Varda W-Series vehicles are designed, built, and operated entirely in-house.

The Role

As Senior Systems Engineer, Avionics, you oversee design, integration, and testing of avionics systems for the Winnebago Spaceship. You ensure all systems are ready for launch and operations, requiring deep expertise in avionics design, manufacturing, and operational protocols. You navigate cross-team collaboration to achieve seamless integration and ensure the vehicle meets mission objectives from space manufacturing to hypersonic reentry testing.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project scope and initial requirements, guiding designs from concept through prototype to 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, resolve uncertainties, and collaborate on Fault Detection Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) strategies 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 primary point of contact for integrated systems investigations.
  • Design, build, and operate Hardware In The Loop (HITL) testbeds to simulate the spacecraft on the ground and ensure mission readiness.
  • Develop avionics ground infrastructure; support design and integration of test racks and R&D equipment for flight vehicle power and communication.
  • Mentor and train new engineers, fostering 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, CA. Leveling and base salary are determined by job-related skills, education, experience, and performance. Eligible for stock options and/or long-term cash awards.

Benefits

Full-time employees receive flexible PTO plus 12 paid holidays; 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options; voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance; $120/month wellness reimbursement; 12 weeks parental leave with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers; family building and parenting benefits via Maven Clinic; sponsored One Medical memberships.