Space Avionics Systems Engineer, Varda Space Industries
Overview
You will own avionics system design, integration, and test for Varda's W-Series reentry vehicles, from concept through flight operations. You will define electrical architectures, balance power and telemetry budgets, and drive hardware-in-the-loop validation for space manufacturing and hypersonic reentry missions. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve conflicting requirements and ensure system-level readiness. This role offers hands-on ownership of Python-based test tools and HITL testbeds, with direct impact on mission success. You will join a team of veterans from SpaceX and Blue Origin building the orbital economy.
What You'll Do10
- 1Define avionics scopes and initial requirements with cross-functional teams, guiding designs from concept to prototype and full-scale production.
- 2Develop electrical architecture, system diagrams, and budgets for power, telemetry, channel count, size, and mass to close vehicle solutions to company objectives.
- 3Analyze architectures for faults and risks, then build mitigation plans and collaborate on FDIR or operational workarounds when hardware solutions are unfeasible.
- 4Conduct verification plans for flight and HITL hardware, ensuring launch readiness and compliance with mission objectives for space and reentry operations.
- 5Support mission operations as an avionics specialist or system operator, determining system health and suggesting corrective actions for reentry commit criteria.
- 6Oversee Winnebago avionics integration as the primary point of contact for integrated systems investigations.
- 7Design, build, and operate HITL testbeds simulating the spacecraft on the ground to ensure mission-readiness.
- 8Develop avionics ground infrastructure for test racks and R&D equipment used to power and communicate with flight vehicles.
- 9Contribute to engineering best practices with a focus on increased test automation and efficiency.
- 10Mentor and train new engineers, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
Requirements10
- 1Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
- 23+ years of experience in system design, test planning, and validation.
- 3Proficiency in programming and debugging with Python.
- 4Experience with power supplies, modular DAQ systems, RTD and 4-20mA devices, and general test equipment.
- 5Proven experience taking vehicle electrical systems from concept to operational production.
- 6Prior experience setting up HITL testbeds, managing configuration control, and conducting system-level tests.
- 7Familiarity with Unix environments and command-line utilities.
- 8Experience developing test cases and test equipment to meet vehicle operating conditions.
- 9Strong project or program management skills.
- 10U.S. person status as defined by ITAR (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual).
Salary Insight
$131 - $184k per year
Location
Required Skills
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