Space Avionics Test Engineer II Verified today

About Varda

Varda accelerates commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable reentry capsules. Our W-Series vehicles, including pharmaceutical processing payloads, C-PICA heat shields, and satellite buses, are built, designed, and operated in-house. We create both the products and infrastructure for the orbital economy.

About This Role

As a Space Avionics Test Engineer II, you will design and operate critical test systems that simulate and stress-test flight hardware to prove it is ready for space. Your work ensures Varda's Winnebago-class spacecraft and future projects meet mission objectives, from space manufacturing to hypersonic reentry testing.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and operate test systems for spacecraft avionics components and assemblies to 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 ensuring avionics products meet performance standards across extreme conditions.
• Craft comprehensive test plans for flight hardware and manage qualification, acceptance, and proto-flight tests.
• Work with avionics test systems engineers and manufacturing engineers to standardize test software behavior, user interfaces, and data reporting.
• Contribute to developing engineering best practices focused 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 and ensure all systems are mission-ready.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in system validation, component testing, or test software development.
• 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: $119,543 to $172,673 per year
• On-site in El Segundo, California
• Eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards

Work Authorization

You must be a U.S. person as defined by ITAR regulations: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual admitted as a refugee or granted asylum. Varda participates in the E-Verify program.