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Avionics System Test Operations Engineer Verified today

Vast · Long Beach, CA · Electronics · first seen 2026-10-23
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About Vast

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using a hardware-rich, low-cost approach. Haven Demo became the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft in 2025. Haven-1, the world's first commercial space station, is expected to launch in 2027. The company is headquartered in Long Beach, California with over 1,000 employees and has built manufacturing and operations facilities for America's next space station.

The Role

You will work as an Avionics System Test Operations Engineer reporting to the Senior Manager, Avionics System Test. This is a full-time, exempt position in Long Beach supporting the development and operation of automated testing systems for Haven-1 avionics.

Your Responsibilities

  • Work with Responsible Engineers and System owners to capture test design criteria for avionics test systems
  • Lead test methodology discussions with Flight Software and Mission Operations teams to develop test procedures for Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) test assets
  • Develop system-level test cases, implement them on test systems, and validate outputs with stakeholders
  • Plan day-to-day system test operations, including troubleshooting and debug of avionics test systems
  • Perform checkout testing of system test assets and support sign-off reviews
  • Develop automation tools (Python, ground software scripts) to improve efficiency and quality of test planning, execution, data analysis, and verification tracking
  • Serve as first point of contact for anomaly resolution: documentation, root cause analysis, disposition, and recurrence prevention
  • Support Mission Operator training activities using system test HITL assets
  • Support anomaly resolution for issues encountered on-orbit
  • Support design of Hardware-in-the-Loop test assets to provide system-level validation of Haven-1 avionics, including closed-loop simulation
  • Work with subject matter experts to develop, implement, and verify interfaces for co-simulation strategies in HITL applications
  • Produce documentation for test systems and support handover to test operators

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or other hard science
  • 2+ years post-bachelor's experience working with or developing hardware test systems
  • 2+ years 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, and digital multimeters
  • Experience designing and/or maintaining computer networks
  • Familiarity with basic electrical and wiring concepts including grounding and electrical safety
  • 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
  • Familiarity with Python programming

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++
  • Experience with embedded systems design and/or testing
  • Experience with testing protocols and standards relevant to space systems
  • 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
  • Familiarity with Docker or other containerization software
  • Experience designing and building systems with a modular DAQ ecosystem (e.g. NI, Weidmuller, Beckhoff)

Additional Requirements

  • Willingness to work overtime or weekends to support critical mission milestones
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted

Compensation

Base salary range: $121,100-$183,260 USD (California). Compensation is calibrated to candidate experience and demonstrated capability. Full-time employees receive company equity and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off (20+ days vacation for exempt staff, 10+ days for non-exempt, 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, coffee, barista service, and dinner; and subsidized lunch.

Export Control Requirement

This role requires access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls. You must be a U.S. person as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62, including U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with status granted (not pending).