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Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer, Avionics Verified today

Varda Space · El Segundo, CA · Electronics · first seen 2026-10-24
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About Varda

Varda accelerates commercial space infrastructure for in-orbit pharmaceutical processing and reliable reentry capsules. Our W-Series vehicles are built, designed and operated in-house, including spacecraft buses, payloads, heat shields and capsules. We create both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth.

About This Role

The Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer, Avionics oversees design, integration and testing of avionics systems for the Winnebago spacecraft. You will ensure all systems are ready for launch and operational phases, requiring deep understanding of avionics system design, manufacturing and operational protocols. You will collaborate across engineering teams and navigate conflicting requirements to achieve seamless system integration.

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 to align vehicle solutions with company objectives.
  • Analyze architecture for faults and risks, develop mitigation plans, and collaborate on Fault Detection Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) strategies and operational workarounds.
  • Conduct comprehensive verification plans for avionics systems on flight and HITL hardware, ensuring readiness for launch and compliance with mission objectives for space and reentry operations.
  • Participate in mission operations as an avionics specialist or system operator, determining system health and suggesting corrective actions to 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 that simulate the spacecraft on the ground to ensure mission readiness.
  • Develop avionics ground infrastructure, supporting design and integration of test racks and R&D equipment for flight vehicle power and communication.
  • 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 ability to use 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 $202,703 per year. This role is on-site in El Segundo, California. Leveling and base salary determined by job-related skills, education, experience and performance. You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards.

Work Eligibility

Varda requires employees to be U.S. persons as defined by ITAR regulations, which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, or individuals admitted to the U.S. as refugees or granted asylum. Varda participates in E-Verify employment eligibility verification.