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Salary: USD 119,543 - 172,673 / annual
Varda Space Industries is building commercial space infrastructure, including in-orbit pharmaceutical processing systems, reentry capsules, heat shields, and satellite buses. As a Spacecraft Avionics Test Engineer II, you will design, build, and operate test systems for spacecraft avionics components and assemblies, ensuring they can withstand environmental stress testing and component acceptance testing.
Key responsibilities include:
- Design and operate comprehensive test systems for avionics components and assemblies, exercising them during environmental stress and acceptance testing
- Develop Python software to implement and execute test procedures, analyze test data, assess pass/fail criteria, and generate detailed test reports
- Collaborate with component Responsible Engineers to identify test cases and develop innovative testing strategies ensuring avionics products meet performance standards across extreme conditions
- Craft comprehensive test plans for flight hardware and manage qualification, acceptance, and proto-flight tests
- Work with avionics test systems engineers and manufacturing engineers to standardize test software behavior, user interfaces, and data reporting
- Contribute to developing engineering best practices focused on increased test automation and efficiency
- Collaborate with avionics systems and flight software engineers to develop and operate Hardware in the Loop (HITL) testbeds that simulate the spacecraft on the ground
Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, with additional offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL. The company was founded in 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov and is backed by investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, and General Catalyst. The team includes veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies, and Silicon Valley.
Note: This role requires U.S. person status (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) due to ITAR export control requirements.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
- At least 3 years of experience in system validation, component testing, or test software development
- 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 qualifications:
- 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 dynamic work environment valuing teamwork, innovation, and tackling challenges head-on
