Senior Avionics Test Engineer

Varda Space Industries; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Varda Space Industries is seeking a Senior Avionics Test Engineer to play a pivotal role in designing and testing flight hardware for space missions. This position involves building testbeds, validating systems, and collaborating with a team of specialists to contribute to groundbreaking projects in the orbital economy. Join a dynamic team committed to transforming manufacturing in space, where your expertise will drive the future of space exploration.

Benefits

Health insurance including Vision and Dental

401(k) matching

Unlimited PTO

Lunch and snacks provided on site

Dinners provided twice a week

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in system validation or component testing.
• Experience with power supplies and general test equipment.
• Proficiency in programming and debugging with Python.

Responsibilities

• Design and operate Hardware In The Loop (HITL) testbeds.
• Develop innovative testing strategies with component Responsible Engineers.
• Craft comprehensive test plans for flight hardware.

Skills

Programming with Python

System Validation

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field

Tools

General Test Equipment

Power Supplies

Modular DAQ Systems

Environmental Test Equipment

Job description

About Varda

Low Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules.

From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind.

Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.

Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has an office in Washington, D.C.

Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.

About This Role:

As a Senior Avionics Test Engineer, you'll play a pivotal role in the design and operation of critical systems that simulate and stress-test flight hardware to prove it is ready for its trip to space. From crafting and testing sophisticated hardware to ensuring our systems can withstand the rigors of space travel and re-entry, your work will be instrumental in supporting ambitious projects. Join Varda's pursuit of the first space factory as we explore pharmaceutical production in space. This is your opportunity to contribute to technologies that are defining the future of space exploration and make an impact that reaches far beyond the stars.

What You'll Do:

• Design HITL Testbeds: Design, build, and operate the Hardware In The Loop (HITL) testbeds, simulating the spacecraft on the ground to ensure all systems are mission-ready.

• Develop Component Level Testbeds: Collaborate with component Responsible Engineers (REs) to identify test cases and develop innovative testing strategies to ensure avionics products meet their intended performance standards across extreme conditions.

• Deliver Flight Vehicle Testbeds: Take ownership of avionics ground infrastructure, supporting the design and integration of test racks and R&D equipment used to power and communicate with the flight vehicles.

• Support and Optimize: Participate in architecture trade studies, provide valuable design feedback, and drive improvements for better testability and manufacturability.

• Develop Test Programs: Craft comprehensive test plans for flight hardware, manage and conduct qualification, acceptance, and proto-flight tests.

• Enhance Processes: Contribute to developing engineering best practices, focusing on increased test automation and efficiency.

• Troubleshoot & Resolve Issues: Analyze electrical systems, offer solutions, and push components to exceed expectations in demanding environments like thermal and vibe tests.

• Mentor and Train: Draw from your experiences to help mentor and train new engineers, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the team.

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.
• Proficiency in programming and debugging with Python.
• Experience with power supplies, modular DAQ systems, RTD and 4-20mA devices, and general test equipment.

Preferred 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.
• Thrive in a dynamic work environment that values teamwork, innovation, and tackling challenges head-on. Be prepared for exposure to diverse tasks and a commitment to personal and professional growth.

Pay Range

• Salary Range: $140,000-$170,000/year
• This role is on-sitein El Segundo, CA
• Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
• You will be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards

ITAR Requirements

• Varda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. At present, some of our technology to which employees have access requires a license to be exported to individuals other than “U.S. Persons” as defined in U.S. export regulations. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our current policy is to only hire “U.S. persons” who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license.

  “US person” means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum in the U.S.)

  Learn more about the ITAR here.

Benefits

• Exciting team of professionals at the top of their field working by your side
• Working in El Segundo, CA - an awesome Southern California beach city with quick access to entertainment and outdoor activities
• Equity in a fully funded space startup with potential for significant growth (interns excluded)
• 401(k) matching (interns excluded)
• Unlimited PTO (interns excluded)
• Health insurance, including Vision and Dental
• Lunch and snacks provided on site every day. Dinners provided twice a week.
• Maternity / Paternity leave (interns excluded)

Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

E-Verify Statement

Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.

E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice

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