Spacecraft Avionics Systems Engineer II Verified today

About Varda

Varda accelerates commercial space infrastructure for in-orbit pharmaceutical processing and reliable reentry capsules. The W-Series vehicles, pharmaceutical processing payloads, capsules, C-PICA heat shields, and satellite buses are all built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house. The company is headquartered in El Segundo, California, with additional offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.

About This Role

The Avionics Systems Engineer II oversees the design, integration, and testing of avionics systems for the Winnebago spacecraft. You ensure all systems are ready for launch and operational phases, requiring deep expertise in avionics system design, manufacturing processes, and operational protocols. You will collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams and navigate conflicting requirements to achieve seamless system integration.

Your 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 for power, telemetry, channel count, size, and mass predictions
• Analyze architecture for potential faults and risks, develop comprehensive mitigation plans, and collaborate on Fault Detection Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) solutions
• Conduct comprehensive verification plans for avionics systems on flight and Hardware-In-The-Loop (HITL) hardware, ensuring readiness for launch and compliance with mission objectives
• Participate in mission operations as an Avionics specialist, determining system health and suggesting corrective actions for reentry commit criteria
• Oversee the integration of Winnebago avionics systems as the primary point of contact for integrated systems investigations
• Design, build, and operate Hardware-In-The-Loop testbeds to simulate the spacecraft on the ground
• Develop avionics ground infrastructure, support the design and integration of test racks and R&D equipment
• 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
• 3+ 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
• Background in Avionics Hardware, FPGA, Electronics Test, or Electrical Systems Engineering

Compensation and Location

Salary range: $119,543 to $152,749 per year. Leveling and base salary are determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance. You will be eligible for stock options and/or long-term cash awards. This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA.

Benefits

Regular full-time employees receive comprehensive benefits including 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 and hospital insurance, $120/month wellness reimbursement, 12 weeks of parental leave, family building and parenting benefits via Maven Clinic, and sponsored One Medical memberships.