About This RoleAs an 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:
- Engineer II: $119,543 - $152,749/per 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
BenefitsConsider your benefits covered for launch. At Varda, we invest in benefits and perks that support your health, financial well-being, and life beyond work. Benefits vary by position, with packages designed specifically for our regular full-time employees and interns.
Regular Full-Time Positions:Health & Wellness
- Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays
- 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options
- Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance
- $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
- 12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)
- Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic
- Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents
Financial & Retirement
- Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up
- 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
- $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
- Relocation support for new hires, if needed
Workplace Experience & Perks
- Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
- Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
- Complimentary EV charging
Intern Positions:Health & Wellness
- Paid observed holidays
- 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options
- $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
- Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents
Financial
- $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
- Up to $4,000 gross up in relocation support, if eligible
- Up to $850 commute credit through Lyft or car rental reimbursement, if eligible
Workplace Experience & Perks
- Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
- Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
- Complimentary EV charging
