Spacecraft Electronics Systems Engineer II Verified today

About Varda

Low Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. Varda's W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated in-house, including pharmaceutical processing payloads, capsules, C-PICA heat shields, and satellite buses.

The Role

The Avionics/Electronics Systems Engineer II oversees the 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 processes, and operational protocols. You will collaborate across engineering teams and resolve conflicting requirements to achieve seamless system integration. Your work will be crucial in ensuring the vehicle meets mission objectives, from space manufacturing to hypersonic testing during reentry.

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 used to communicate vehicle solutions to company-level objectives.
• Analyze architecture for potential faults and risks, develop comprehensive mitigation plans, and collaborate on Fault Detection Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) or 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, determining system health and suggesting corrective actions for reentry commit criteria.
• Oversee integration of Winnebago avionics systems, acting as primary point of contact for integrated systems investigations.
• Design, build, and operate Hardware In The Loop (HITL) testbeds to simulate the spacecraft on the ground and ensure mission readiness.
• Develop avionics ground infrastructure, support design and integration of test racks and R&D equipment, and contribute to engineering best practices focused on test automation.
• 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.
• 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, California. Leveling and base salary are determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance. You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards.

Benefits

Regular full-time benefits include:

• 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/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses.
• 12 weeks of parental leave with supplemental disability leave for California mothers.
• Family building, pregnancy, parenting, and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic.
• Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and dependents.