Senior Avionics Test Engineer

vardaspace; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 203,000; Full time

Job summary

Varda is seeking a Senior Avionics Test Engineer to design and operate test systems that simulate spaceflight hardware and stress-test avionics for Winnebago-class spacecraft and future projects. The role ensures mission readiness under extreme conditions with a focus on reliability and safety.

You will develop Python-based test software, work with REs and manufacturing engineers, and help advance HITL testbeds and automated testing practices to improve quality and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 5+ years in system validation, component testing, or test software development with aerospace exposure.
• Proficiency in Python programming and debugging.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and operate spacecraft avionics test systems for environmental stress testing and acceptance testing.
• Develop Python software to run test procedures, analyze data, and generate reports.
• Collaborate with REs to define test cases and improve testing strategies for aerospace performance under extreme conditions.
• Create flight hardware test plans and manage qualification, acceptance, and proto-flight tests.
• Coordinate with avionics test systems engineers and manufacturing to standardize test software and data reporting.
• Contribute to engineering best practices and increase test automation and efficiency.
• Support HITL testbeds to simulate spacecraft on the ground and ensure mission readiness.

Skills

Python programming

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

Git

DAQ systems

Oscilloscopes

Multimeters

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. Varda's W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses.

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 offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.

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

About This Role

As a Senior Avionics Test Engineer , you'll play a key 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. Your work will be instrumental in ensuring the success of our Winnebago-class spacecraft and future ambitious projects. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring the vehicle meets its mission objectives, from space manufacturing to hypersonic testing during reentry. 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.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and operate test systems for spacecraft avionics components and assemblies to fully exercise components during environmental stress testing and component acceptance testing.


• Develop software in Python to implement and execute test procedures, analyze test data, assess pass/fail criteria, and generate test reports.


• 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.


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


• Work closely with avionics test systems engineers and manufacturing engineers to standardize test software behavior, user interfaces, and data reporting.


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


• Collaborate with avionics systems and flight software engineers to develop and operate Hardware in the Loop (HITL) testbeds to simulate the spacecraft on the ground and ensure all systems are mission-ready.


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

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.


• 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: $140,333 - $202,703/per year

This role is on-site in 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 Requireme