Spacecraft Avionics Test Engineer II Verified today

About Varda

Varda accelerates commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. The W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated in-house, including pharmaceutical processing payloads, capsules, C-PICA heat shields, and satellite buses.

About This Role

As a Spacecraft Avionics Test Engineer II, you will design and operate critical systems that simulate and stress-test flight hardware to prove it is ready for space. Your expertise will ensure the 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 fully 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 to ensure avionics products meet their intended performance standards across extreme conditions.
• Craft comprehensive test plans for flight hardware, manage and conduct qualification, acceptance, and proto-flight tests.
• Work closely with avionics test systems engineers and manufacturing engineers to standardize test software behavior, user interfaces, and data reporting.
• Contribute to developing engineering best practices, focusing 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 a 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 (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
• Long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards

ITAR Requirements

You must be a U.S. person, which means U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum). Employees have access to export-controlled items and technology.