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Senior Avionics Test Engineer

Join Varda as a Senior Avionics Test Engineer to design and operate test systems for spacecraft avionics components.

Location
El Segundo, California, United States
Compensation
$119.5k–$152.7k/yr
Level
senior
Type
full time · On-site

Posted by employer 7 hours ago

First seen on Joblaze 3 hours ago

Last verified on the company career page 3 hours ago

Skills & Technologies

Python Flexible on stack

What you'll build

  • Design, build, and operate test systems for spacecraft avionics components
  • Develop software in Python to implement and execute test procedures
  • Collaborate with component Responsible Engineers to identify test cases
  • Craft comprehensive test plans for flight hardware
  • Collaborate with avionics systems and flight software engineers

Must have

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
  • At least 5 years of experience in system validation, component testing, or test software development
  • Proficiency in programming and debugging with Python
  • Experience with electronics test equipment
  • Familiarity with common sensor types
  • Proficiency with Git source control system

Nice to have

  • Prior experience standing up HITL testbeds
  • Familiarity with Unix environments
  • Experience developing test cases and test equipment
  • Experience operating environmental test equipment
  • Strong project or program management skills

Practical constraints

  • Must be a U.S. person authorized to work in the U.S.

Requirements

Experience
5+ years
Education
Bachelor's degree
Visa
No sponsorship (stated in posting)

Benefits

401k Match Gym Membership Equity/Stock Options Health Insurance Relocation Assistance Parental Leave

Joblaze summary

In the role of Senior Avionics Test Engineer at Varda Space, the individual will design and operate test systems to validate avionics components for spacecraft, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of space travel. Key skills include proficiency in Python for software development, experience with aerospace test systems, and familiarity with various electronic testing equipment. This position is ideal for seasoned engineers with a background in system validation and a passion for aerospace technology, particularly those who thrive in innovative environments.

Joblaze insights

  • Listed today — first seen on Joblaze October 3, 2026. Last confirmed on Varda Space's careers page October 3, 2026.
  • Salary band is in line with the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$126,887).
  • Starts above 7% of 269 comparable senior other roles in United States that list Python we track (median $152,000 across 55 companies). See Python salary trends
  • Python appears in 16.6% of 2440 comparable senior other roles in United States.

Quick facts

Is the Senior Avionics Test Engineer role remote?
No — this is an on-site role in El Segundo, California, United States.
What's the salary range?
Varda Space lists $119,543–$152,749 for this role.
How much experience is required?
At least 5 years of relevant experience for this Senior Avionics Test Engineer role.
Where is the role based?
Varda Space is hiring for this position in El Segundo, California, United States.
What's the tech stack?
Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: Python.
What seniority level is this role?
Varda Space targets senior candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?
Full-time for this Senior Avionics Test Engineer role at Varda Space.

From the original posting

About Varda

About This Role

As an Avionics Test Engineer, you'll play a key role in the design and operation of critical systems that simulate and stress-test flight hardware to prove it is ready for its trip to space. Your work will be instrumental in ensuring the success of our Winnebago-class spacecraft and future ambitious projects. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring the vehicle meets its mission objectives, from space manufacturing to hypersonic testing during reentry. This is your opportunity to contribute to technologies that are defining the future of space exploration and make an impact that reaches far beyond the stars.

Responsibilities

  • Design, build, and operate test systems for spacecraft avionics components and assemblies to fully exercise components during environmental stress testing and component acceptance testing.
  • Develop software in Python to implement and execute test procedures, analyze test data, assess pass/fail criteria, and generate test reports.
  • Collaborate with component Responsible Engineers (REs) to identify test cases and develop innovative testing strategies to ensure avionics products meet their intended performance standards across extreme conditions.
  • Craft comprehensive test plans for flight hardware, manage and conduct qualification, acceptance, and proto-flight tests.
  • Work closely with avionics test systems engineers and manufacturing engineers to standardize test software behavior, user interfaces, and data reporting.
  • Contribute to developing engineering best practices, focusing on increased test automation and efficiency.
  • Collaborate with avionics systems and flight software engineers to develop and operate Hardware in the Loop (HITL) testbeds to simulate the spacecraft on the ground and ensure all systems are mission-ready.
  • Draw from your experiences to help mentor and train new engineers, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the team.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
  • At least 5 years of experience in system validation, component testing, or test software development with at least 3 years working on aerospace test systems.
  • Proficiency in programming and debugging with Python.
  • Experience with electronics test equipment including power supplies, DAQ systems, electronic loads, oscilloscopes and multimeters.
  • Familiarity with common sensor types, including thermocouples, RTDs and 4-20mA devices.
  • Proficiency with Git source control system.

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Prior experience standing up HITL testbeds, managing configuration control, and driving and operating system-level tests.
  • Familiarity with Unix environments.
  • Experience developing test cases and test equipment to meet vehicle operating conditions.
  • Experience operating environmental test equipment (vibration shakers, TVAC chambers, or thermal chambers).
  • Strong project or program management skills.
  • Thrive in a dynamic work environment that values teamwork, innovation, and tackling challenges head-on. Be prepared for exposure to diverse tasks and a commitment to personal and professional growth.

Pay Range

  • Salary range:
    • Engineer II: $119,543 - $152,749/per year
  • 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
  • You will be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards

Benefits

Regular Full-Time Positions:

Health & Wellness 

Financial & Retirement 

Workplace Experience & Perks

Intern Positions:

Health & Wellness  

Financial  

Workplace Experience & Perks

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