Avionics System Test Operations Engineer

Vast is looking for a Avionics System Test Operations Engineer, reporting to the Senior Manager, Avionics System Test, to support the development and operation of the automated testing systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities:

• Work with Responsible Engineers and System owners across the organization to capture test design criteria for avionics test systems
• Lead test methodology discussions with key stakeholders (e.g. Flight Software, Mission Operations) to develop test procedures for Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL / HIL) test assets
• Develop system level test cases, implement them on test systems and validate their outputs with internal stakeholders
• Day-to-day planning of system test operations, including
• • Perform troubleshooting and debug of avionics test systems
  • Perform checkout testing of system test assets and support sign-off reviews
• Develop automation tools (e.g. python, ground software scripts) to increase efficiency and quality of test planning, test execution, data analysis, and verification tracking
• Serve as first point of contact for anomaly resolution: documentation, driving root cause analysis, disposition, and prevent recurrence activities
• Support Mission Operator training activities which utilize system test HITL assets
• Support anomaly resolution activities for issues encountered on-orbit
• Support design of Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL / HIL) test assets to provide system level validation of Haven-1 avionics, including closed-loop simulation of relevant test cases
• Work with subject matter experts to support development, implementation, and verification of interfaces to co-simulation strategies for Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) applications
• Produce documentation for test systems and support handover to test operators

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or other hard science
• 2+ years of post bachelor’s experience working with or developing hardware test systems
• 2+ years’ experience building and maintaining hardware test systems
• Experience operating and maintaining Linux systems, including confident use of command line tools
• Experience with power supplies, electronic loads, oscilloscopes, and digital multimeters
• Experience designing and/or maintaining computer networks
• Familiarity with basic electrical and wiring concepts including grounding and electrical safety
• Demonstrated expertise in root cause analysis methodologies and problem-solving within avionics or complex hardware environments
• Strong documentation skills, with the ability to produce detailed, accurate technical reports and communicate findings effectively
• Familiarity with python programming

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience working with satellite communications or telemetry systems
• Experience developing and executing requirement-driven test plans for avionics or electronics systems
• Experience with automated test systems and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) environments
• Familiarity with C++
• Experience with embedded systems design and/or testing
• Experience with testing protocols and standards relevant to space systems
• Familiarity with Git, Cmake, and GNU tools
• Knowledge of CI/CD and issue tracking tools such as the Atlassian Suite (JIRA, Bitbucket, Confluence) and Github
• Familiarity with Docker (or other containerization software)
• Experience designing and building systems with a modular DAQ ecosystem (e.g. NI, Weidmuller, Bechoff)

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted