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Spacecraft Systems Engineer II, Avionics Verified today

Varda Space · El Segundo, CA · Electronics · first seen 2026-10-24
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About Varda

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

About This Role

The Spacecraft Systems Engineer II, Avionics 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 with cross-functional engineering teams and resolve conflicting requirements to achieve seamless system integration. Your expertise will be critical 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 to account 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) or operational workarounds.
  • Conduct comprehensive verification plans for avionics systems on flight and HITL hardware, ensuring readiness for launch and compliance with mission objectives.
  • Participate in mission operations as an avionics specialist or system operator, determining system health and suggesting corrective actions to 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, simulating the spacecraft on the ground.
  • Develop avionics ground infrastructure, support design and integration of test racks and R&D equipment to power and communicate with flight vehicles.
  • 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 programming and debugging with Python.
  • 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-$172,673 per year.
  • Onsite in El Segundo, California.
  • Eligible for stock options and/or long-term cash awards.

ITAR Requirements

This role requires access to export-controlled items. You must be a U.S. person: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (refugee or asylum grantee). Varda participates in E-Verify.