Senior Space Vehicle Systems Engineer, Avionics Verified today
About Varda
Varda is building commercial space infrastructure for in-orbit pharmaceutical processing and reliable reentry capsules. The W-Series vehicles, including propellant systems, heat shields, and satellite buses, are designed and operated entirely in-house. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind by creating both the products and infrastructure needed to manufacture in space.
What you will do
The Avionics Systems team oversees design, integration, and testing of avionics for the Winnebago vehicle. You will ensure all systems are ready for launch and operational phases, requiring deep understanding of avionics design, manufacturing, and operational protocols. You will collaborate with engineering teams to resolve conflicting requirements and achieve seamless system integration.
- 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 for power, telemetry, channel count, size, and mass to communicate vehicle solutions to company objectives.
- Analyze architecture for faults and risks, develop mitigation plans, and collaborate on Fault Detection Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) or operational workarounds.
- 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.
- Participate in mission operations as an Avionics specialist, determining system health, suggesting corrective actions, and confirming reentry commit criteria.
- Oversee integration of Winnebago avionics systems as primary point of contact for integrated systems investigations.
- Design, build, and operate Hardware In The Loop (HITL) testbeds to simulate the spacecraft on the ground and verify mission readiness.
- Develop avionics ground infrastructure, including test racks and R&D equipment. Contribute to engineering best practices focused on test automation and efficiency.
- Mentor and train new engineers, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
What you will bring
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
- At least 5 years of experience in system design, test planning, and validation.
- Proficiency in programming and debugging with Python.
- Experience with power supplies, modular DAQ systems, RTD and 4-20mA devices, and general test equipment.
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 command-line utilities.
- Experience developing test cases and test equipment to meet vehicle operating conditions.
- Strong project or program management skills.
Compensation and benefits
Salary: $169,000 to $216,000 annually, determined by job-related skills, education, experience, and performance.
Equity: Stock options under the Company's Equity Incentive Plan.
Health and wellness: Flexible PTO plus 12 paid holidays; 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents; FSA and employer-matched HSA; 12 weeks parental leave; $120/month wellness reimbursement; One Medical memberships.
Financial and retirement: 401(k) with 6% employer match (immediately vested); $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement; relocation support.
Workplace: Daily lunch and twice-weekly dinner; team events and celebrations; EV charging.
Location: On-site in El Segundo, California.
Export control and work authorization
Employees are exposed to export-controlled items. Varda hires only U.S. persons permitted to access this technology without an export license. All candidates must be lawfully authorized to work in the United States.