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Systems Engineer II, Avionics Verified today

Varda Space · El Segundo, CA · Electronics · first seen 2026-09-21
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About Varda

Varda is accelerating commercial space infrastructure development, building in-orbit pharmaceutical processing vehicles and reentry capsules. The company designs and operates W-Series vehicles in-house, including spacecraft buses, heat shields, and pharmaceutical payloads. Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, with offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.

About This Role

The Systems Engineer II, Avionics oversees design, integration, and testing of avionics systems for the Winnebago Spaceship. 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 various engineering teams and navigate conflicting requirements to achieve seamless system integration.

Key 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 resolve uncertainties. Collaborate on Fault Detection Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) or operational workarounds when hardware solutions are unfeasible.
  • 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 or system operator, determining system health and suggesting corrective actions to reentry commit criteria.
  • Oversee integration of Winnebago avionics systems, acting as the primary point of contact for integrated systems investigations.
  • Design, build, and operate Hardware In The Loop (HITL) testbeds, simulating the spacecraft on the ground to ensure all systems are mission-ready.
  • Develop avionics ground infrastructure, support design and integration of test racks and R&D equipment used to power and communicate with flight vehicles. Contribute to developing engineering best practices with focus on test automation and efficiency.
  • Mentor and train new engineers, fostering a culture of learning and 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 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 ability to use 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 is 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

Flexible PTO policy plus 12 paid holidays. 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans 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 their dependents. Substantial 401k match and other financial benefits available to regular full-time employees.