Avionics System Test Engineer Verified today
Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure. Haven Demo flew in 2025, making Vast the only operational commercial space station company. Haven-1 is expected to launch in 2027 as the world's first commercial space station, followed by additional Haven modules. 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 and work full-time from our Long Beach headquarters.
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 to capture test design criteria for avionics test systems
- Develop system level test cases, implement them on test systems and validate outputs with internal stakeholders
- Work with subject matter experts to develop and implement interfaces to co-simulation strategies for Hardware-in-the-Loop 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 or more 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 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 to $156,800
Senior Avionics System Test Engineer: $141,300 to $183,260
Compensation and benefits include company equity, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off (20+ days vacation for exempt staff, 10+ days for non-exempt staff with annual cash-out option), paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, mental healthcare through Spring Health, free snacks and meals, and subsidized lunch.
Export Control
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore must be a U.S. person as defined by 22 C.F.R. Section 120.62. This includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.