Senior Avionics Systems Engineer

About this Role As an Avionics Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, integration, and testing of avionics systems for the Winnebago vehicle. You will ensure that all systems are ready for launch and operational phases, requiring a deep understanding of system design, manufacturing processes, and operational protocols. This role involves close collaboration with various engineering teams to navigate and resolve conflicting requirements, achieving seamless system integration. Your expertise will help the vehicle meet its mission objectives, from space manufacturing to hypersonic testing during reentry. Responsibilities 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 accounting for power, telemetry, channel count, size, and mass predictions to communicate vehicle solutions to company-level objectives. Analyze architecture for potential faults and risks, develop 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 launch readiness and compliance with mission objectives for space and reentry operations. Participate in mission operations as an Avionics specialist or system operator, determining system health, suggesting corrective actions, and establishing reentry commitment 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 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 flight vehicles. Contribute to engineering best practices, focusing on increased test automation and efficiency. Mentor and train new engineers, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the team. Basic Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. Experience: At least five 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 4-20 mA devices, and general test equipment. Preferred Skills and Experience 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. Benefits Exciting team of professionals at the top of their field working by your side. Equity in a fully funded space startup with potential for significant growth (interns excluded). 401(k) matching (interns excluded). Unlimited PTO (interns excluded). Health insurance, including vision and dental. Lunch and snacks provided on site every day. Dinners provided twice a week. Maternity / paternity leave (interns excluded). Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status. E-Verify Statement Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program. E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice #J-18808-Ljbffr Varda Space