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Salary: USD 119,543 - 152,749 / annual
Varda Space Industries is building commercial space infrastructure, including in-orbit pharmaceutical processing vehicles, reentry capsules, and satellite buses. The Spacecraft Systems Engineer II, Avionics will oversee the design, integration, and testing of avionics systems for Varda's Winnebago spacecraft, ensuring all systems are mission-ready for launch and operational phases including space manufacturing and hypersonic reentry.
Key responsibilities include:
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project scopes and requirements, guiding designs from concept through prototype to full-scale production
• Develop electrical architecture, system diagrams, and budgets accounting for power, telemetry, channel count, size, and mass predictions
• Analyze architecture for faults and risks, develop mitigation plans, and collaborate on Fault Detection Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) strategies
• Conduct comprehensive verification plans for avionics systems on flight and Hardware-In-The-Loop (HITL) hardware
• Participate in mission operations as an avionics specialist, determining system health and suggesting corrective actions for reentry commit criteria
• Oversee integration of Winnebago avionics systems as the primary point of contact for integrated systems investigations
• Design, build, and operate HITL testbeds simulating the spacecraft on the ground
• Develop avionics ground infrastructure, support design and integration of test racks and R&D equipment
• Mentor and train new engineers, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement
This is an on-site role in El Segundo, California. The position requires deep understanding of avionics system design, manufacturing processes, and operational protocols, with the ability to navigate conflicting requirements and collaborate across engineering teams.
REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field
• 3+ years of experience in system design, test planning, and validation
• Proficiency in Python programming and debugging
• Experience with power supplies, modular DAQ systems, RTD and 4-20mA devices, and general test equipment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Proven experience taking vehicle electrical systems from concept to operational production
• Prior experience setting up HITL testbeds, managing configuration control, and conducting system-level tests
• Familiarity with Unix environments and command-line utilities
• Experience developing test cases and test equipment to meet vehicle operating conditions
• Strong project or program management skills
• Relevant prior roles: Avionics Hardware Engineer, FPGA Engineer, Electronics Test Engineer, or Electrical Systems Engineer
ITAR REQUIREMENT: Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or individual admitted as refugee/granted asylum) due to access to export-controlled items.
