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Salary: USD 119,543 - 152,749 / annual
Varda Space Industries is accelerating commercial space infrastructure development, including in-orbit pharmaceutical processing, reentry capsules, and satellite buses. As a Senior Avionics Test Engineer, you will design, build, and operate critical test systems that validate spacecraft avionics components and assemblies under extreme environmental conditions.
You will be responsible for designing and operating test systems for spacecraft avionics components and assemblies, ensuring they can withstand environmental stress testing and component acceptance testing. You'll develop Python software to implement and execute test procedures, analyze test data, assess pass/fail criteria, and generate comprehensive test reports.
Key responsibilities include collaborating with component Responsible Engineers to identify test cases and develop innovative testing strategies; crafting comprehensive test plans for flight hardware; managing and conducting qualification, acceptance, and proto-flight tests; working with avionics test systems engineers and manufacturing engineers to standardize test software behavior and data reporting; contributing to engineering best practices focused on test automation and efficiency; and collaborating with avionics systems and flight software engineers to develop and operate Hardware in the Loop (HITL) testbeds that simulate the spacecraft on the ground.
You will also mentor and train new engineers, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the team. This role is instrumental in ensuring Varda's Winnebago-class spacecraft and future projects meet their mission objectives, from space manufacturing to hypersonic testing during reentry.
Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, with offices and a production facility where vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. The company also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL. Founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov, Varda is backed by world-class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.
REQUIREMENTS:
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
- At least 5 years of experience in system validation, component testing, or test software development, with at least 3 years working on aerospace test systems
- Proficiency in programming and debugging with Python
- Experience with electronics test equipment including power supplies, DAQ systems, electronic loads, oscilloscopes, and multimeters
- Familiarity with common sensor types, including thermocouples, RTDs, and 4-20mA devices
- Proficiency with Git source control system
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Prior experience standing up HITL testbeds, managing configuration control, and driving and operating system-level tests
- Familiarity with Unix environments
- Experience developing test cases and test equipment to meet vehicle operating conditions
- Experience operating environmental test equipment (vibration shakers, TVAC chambers, or thermal chambers)
- Strong project or program management skills
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic work environment that values teamwork, innovation, and tackling challenges head-on
ITAR Requirement: Must be a "US person" (U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).
