What you will do (Job Responsibilities)The Avionics Systems team has a comprehensive role overseeing the design, integration, and testing of avionics systems for our Winnebago vehicle. We ensure that all systems are ready for both launch and operational phases, requiring a deep understanding of avionics system design, manufacturing processes, and operational protocols. This role involves close collaboration with various engineering teams, where you will navigate and resolve conflicting requirements to achieve seamless system integration. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring the vehicle meets its mission objectives, from space manufacturing to hypersonic testing during reentry.
- Collaborate with cross functional teams to define project scopes and initial requirements, guiding designs from concept to prototype and full-scale production.
- Develop electrical architecture, system diagrams, and budgets to account for power, telemetry, channel count, size, and mass predictions used to communicate closing vehicle solutions to company level objectives.
- Analyze architecture for potential faults and risks, develop comprehensive mitigation plans, resolve uncertainties, and collaborate on Fault Detection Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) or operational workarounds when hardware solutions are unfeasible.
- Conduct comprehensive verification plans for avionics systems on flight and HITL hardware, ensuring readiness for launch and compliance with mission objectives for space and reentry operations
- Participate in mission operations as an Avionics specialist or system operator, where you'll determine system health, suggest corrective actions, and to reentry commit criteria for operational success.
- Oversee the integration of the Winnebago avionics systems, acting as the primary point of contact for integrated systems investigations
- 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 avionics ground infrastructure, supporting the design and integration of test racks and R&D equipment used to power and communicate with the flight vehicles. Contribute to developing engineering best practices, focusing on increased test automation and efficiency.
- Draw from your experiences to help mentor and train new engineers, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the team.
What you will bring (Basic Qualifications)- Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Experience: At least 5 years of experience in system design, test planning, and validation.
- Programming Skills: Proficiency in programming and debugging with Python.
- Technical Expertise: Experience with power supplies, modular DAQ systems, RTD and 4-20mA devices, and general test equipment.
What would be a plus (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 the ability to use command line utilities.
- Experience developing test cases and test equipment to meet vehicle operating conditions.
- Strong project or program management skills
How Varda compensates- Salary range: $169,000 - $216,000 annually.
- 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.
- Offer compensation also includes the ability to receive stock options under the Company's Equity Incentive Plan.
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BenefitsVarda offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial well-being, and a high-quality workplace experience. Below is an overview of what full-time employees receive (at this time, interns receive a subset of benefits):
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
