Avionics Test Engineer, Hardware Verified today

About the Role

Join our avionics test team to lead hardware integration and testing of commercial satellite buses. You'll own test rack design and maintenance, execute spacecraft qualification campaigns, and troubleshoot flight hardware using laboratory instrumentation. This hands-on role involves working with electrical, mechanical, RF, and systems engineers to build integrated test environments and validate avionics across component and bus levels.

Technical Work

• Own the build, configuration, and maintenance of bus-level and component-level test racks
• Lead hardware integration including harnessing, fixturing, rack integration, and mechanical/electrical interface validation
• Troubleshoot flight hardware and test setup failures using oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, DAQ systems, VNAs, and vector signal analyzers
• Execute functional checkouts, acceptance testing, environmental screening, and integrated system validation
• Support environmental and qualification campaigns including EMI/EMC, vibration, thermal cycling, and TVAC
• Execute RF and avionics validation testing for antennas, radios, transceivers, GNSS systems, LNAs, PAs, RF switches, couplers and power dividers
• Perform near-field antenna testing, cable loss characterization, S-parameter measurements, and insertion loss analysis
• Support RF testing in thermal vacuum environments, including corona and multipactor considerations
• Support Flatsat operation and maintenance

Documentation

• Own test setup documentation including diagrams, BOMs, harnessing documentation, and configuration records
• Author and maintain Design Verification Plans, procedures, and test documentation

Project Leadership

• Own medium cross-functional or large function-specific avionics test projects end-to-end
• Execute to agreed plans, proactively identifying risks and resolving blockers
• Coordinate partner teams across electrical, mechanical, RF, and systems engineering
• Provide structured updates at key project milestones to technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Collaborate on design-for-test initiatives and spacecraft integration campaigns

Mentorship

• Mentor junior engineers on technical skills, test practices, and hardware integration workflows
• Review work products and provide constructive technical feedback

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related field
• 5+ years professional experience in aerospace hardware or electronics testing
• Hands-on experience with laboratory instrumentation and hardware bring-up
• Familiarity with avionics hardware and embedded communication protocols: UART, SPI, CAN, I2C
• Experience troubleshooting integrated electrical systems and test setups
• Strong understanding of hardware integration and validation workflows
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills
• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder) in accordance with ITAR requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience integrating or testing spacecraft, launch vehicles, or flight electronics
• Familiarity with RF communications systems and RF lab equipment
• Experience with harnessing, fixturing, environmental testing, and vibration testing
• Familiarity with coaxial cable selection and RF interconnect characterization
• Exposure to fast-paced aerospace production or integration environments
• Experience designing PCBs or supporting hardware prototyping
• Background conducting sensor functional tests, leak checks, or avionics channelization
• Basic Python or scripting experience for test support and automation

What We Offer

• Equity in Apex
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost
• Comprehensive PTO starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
• Competitive 401(k) plan with 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%
• 8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
• Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks
• Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and family gatherings
• Premium desk setup and tools
• In-person collaboration at Playa Vista office with flexibility to integrate work and life