Avionics System Test Engineer Verified today
Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure. Haven Demo became the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft in 2025. Haven-1 is expected to become the world's first commercial space station when it launches in 2027. Vast Satellite is a new high-power satellite product line leveraging space station components.
We are seeking an Avionics System Test Engineer to support development of automated testing systems for satellites and artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. You will report to the Senior Manager, Avionics System Test.
Responsibilities
- Support design of Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL / HIL) test assets to provide system level validation of avionics units, including closed-loop simulation of relevant Use Cases
- Work with Responsible Engineers and System owners across the organization to capture test design criteria for avionics test systems
- Develop system level test cases, implement them on test systems and validate their outputs with internal stakeholders
- Work with subject matter experts to develop and implement interfaces to co-simulation strategies for Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) applications
- Own procurement and integration of test equipment to build, commission, and sign-off system test assets
- Perform troubleshooting and debug of avionics test systems
- Lead test system design reviews for avionics test systems
- Lead and coach troubleshooting and debug efforts across the wider team
- Produce documentation for test systems and support handover to test operators
- Serve as a mentor for junior engineers within the Avionics Test team, coordinating efforts of complex projects and tasks
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or other hard science
- 5+ years of post bachelor's experience working with and developing hardware test systems
- Experience building and maintaining hardware test systems
- Experience operating and maintaining Linux systems, including confident use of command line tools
- Experience with power supplies, electronic loads, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and digital multimeters
- Familiarity with basic electrical and wiring concepts including grounding and electrical safety
- Fault-tolerant and safety-critical software design
- Demonstrated expertise in root cause analysis methodologies and problem-solving within avionics or complex hardware environments
- Strong documentation skills, with the ability to produce detailed, accurate technical reports and communicate findings effectively
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Experience working with satellite communications or telemetry systems
- Experience developing and executing requirement-driven test plans for avionics or electronics systems
- Experience with automated test systems and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) environments
- Familiarity with C++ or python programming
- Experience with embedded systems design and/or testing
- Experience with testing protocols and standards relevant to space systems
- Experience coordinating and/or supervising the outputs of other engineers
- Experience developing applications in python
- Familiarity with Git, Cmake, and GNU tools
- Knowledge of CI/CD and issue tracking tools such as the Atlassian Suite (JIRA, Bitbucket, Confluence) and GitHub
- Experience designing and/or maintaining computer networks
- Experience designing and building systems with a modular DAQ ecosystem (e.g. NI, Weidmuller, Beckhoff)
Additional Requirements
- Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
Compensation
- Avionics System Test Engineer II: $121,100 - $156,800
- Senior Avionics System Test Engineer: $141,300 - $183,260
Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Full-time employees receive company equity and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off (20+ days vacation for exempt staff); paid parental leave; short and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; ClassPass credits; mental healthcare through Spring Health; and onsite meals (free snacks, coffee, cold drinks, dinner; subsidized lunch).