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Space Electrical Systems Engineer II Verified today

Varda Space · El Segundo, CA · Space Systems · first seen 2026-09-17
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About Varda

Varda is accelerating commercial space infrastructure, including in-orbit pharmaceutical processing and reusable reentry capsules. The W-Series vehicles are designed and operated in-house, including pharmaceutical payloads, heat shields, and satellite buses.

About This Role

The Electrical Systems Engineer II oversees the design, integration, and testing of avionics systems for the Winnebago Spaceship. You will ensure all systems are ready for launch and operational phases, requiring deep knowledge of avionics system design, manufacturing, and operational protocols. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams and resolve conflicting requirements to achieve seamless system integration.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project scopes and initial requirements, guiding designs from concept to prototype and 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 and Fault Detection Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) strategies.
  • 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 the primary point of contact for integrated systems investigations.
  • Design, build, and operate Hardware In The Loop (HITL) testbeds to simulate spacecraft systems on the ground.
  • Develop avionics ground infrastructure and support design and integration of test racks and R&D equipment for flight vehicle power and communication.
  • 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.
  • 3 or more 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 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: $119,543 to $152,749 per year. This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA. Leveling and base salary are determined by job-related skills, education, experience level, and job performance. You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and long-term cash awards.

Benefits

Flexible PTO policy 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 per month wellness reimbursement. 12 weeks of parental leave. Family building and parenting benefits via Maven Clinic. Sponsored One Medical memberships.