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Spacecraft Systems Engineer II, Avionics Verified today

Varda Space · El Segundo, CA · Electronics · first seen 2026-09-27
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About Varda

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

The Role

As a Systems Engineer II, Avionics, you will oversee the design, integration, and testing of avionics systems for the Winnebago Spaceship. You will ensure all systems are flight-ready for launch and operational phases, requiring deep expertise in avionics design, manufacturing, and operational protocols. You will navigate conflicting requirements across teams 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 for power, telemetry, channel count, size, and mass
  • Analyze architecture for faults and risks, develop mitigation plans, and collaborate on Fault Detection Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) strategies
  • Conduct comprehensive verification plans for avionics systems on flight and Hardware In The Loop (HITL) hardware, ensuring launch readiness and compliance with mission objectives
  • Participate in mission operations as an Avionics specialist, determining system health and suggesting corrective actions
  • Oversee integration of Winnebago avionics systems, serving as the primary point of contact for integrated systems investigations
  • Design, build, and operate HITL testbeds to simulate the spacecraft on the ground
  • Develop avionics ground infrastructure and test racks; contribute to engineering best practices and test automation
  • Mentor new engineers and foster continuous improvement within the team

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 for 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 - $152,749 per year. This role is on-site in El Segundo, California. Leveling and base salary determined by job-related skills, education, experience, and performance. Eligible for stock options and/or long-term cash awards.

Benefits

Regular full-time positions 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, and critical illness insurance; $120/month wellness reimbursement; 12 weeks of parental leave with supplemental disability leave for California mothers; family building and pregnancy support via Maven Clinic; and sponsored One Medical memberships.