Senior Avionics Test Engineer

vast· Avionics Test
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📍 Long Beach, California, United States💰 USD 136K–176K

About this role

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo.

Headquartered in Long Beach, California, and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.

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

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

Responsibilities: 

  • Design, build, and commission test systems for avionics systems and associated electronics hardware
  • Work with Responsible Engineers across the organization to capture test requirements for avionics test systems
  • Develop component and system level test cases, implement them on test systems and validate their outputs with internal stakeholders
  • Perform troubleshooting and debug of avionics test systems
  • Lead test system design reviews for avionics test systems
  • Lead and coach efforts to troubleshooting and debug efforts across the wider team
  • Produce documentation for test systems and support handover to test operators
  • Support architecting the automated test framework for Vast overall, and lead local efforts to implement on avionics test systems
  • Work with subject matter experts to develop and implement interfaces to co-simulation strategies for Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) applications

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or other hard science
  • 2+ years of post bachelor’s experience working with and developing hardware test systems
  • 1+ years experience working with either C++ or python
  • Experience operating and maintaining linux systems, including confident use of command line tools
  • Experience designing and building systems with a modular DAQ ecosystem (e.g. NI, Weidmuller, Bechoff)
  • Familiarity with basic electrical and wiring concepts including grounding and electrical safety

Preferred Skills & Experience:

  • Strong documentation and communication skills
  • Hands-on experience with product testing
  • Experience with testing protocols and standards relevant to space systems
  • Experience coordinating and/or supervising the outputs of other engineers
  • Experience developing applications in python
  • 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
  • Understanding of Linux kernel software and drivers
  • Experience with Embedded Systems
  • Fault-tolerant and safety-critical software design
  • Experience developing software for complex systems such as spacecraft, aircraft or autonomous vehicles
  • Network programming experience
  • Experience working with satellite communications or telemetry systems
  • Familiarity with power supplies, electronic loads, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and digital multimeters

Additional Requirements:

  • Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
Pay Range: California
$135,800—$176,400 USD

We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply.

 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.


U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Senior Avionics Test Engineer role at vast?
The listed salary for this Senior Avionics Test Engineer position at vast is USD 136K–176K. This is an full-time role.
Where is the Senior Avionics Test Engineer position at vast located?
This Senior Avionics Test Engineer role at vast is based in Long Beach, California, United States. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Which team or department does the Senior Avionics Test Engineer at vast belong to?
This Senior Avionics Test Engineer position is part of the Avionics Test department at vast. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Senior Avionics Test Engineer position at vast?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to vast's official application portal hosted on greenhouse where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Senior Avionics Test Engineer job at vast posted?
This Senior Avionics Test Engineer position at vast was posted on Sep 2, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Senior Avionics Test Engineer
vast · 💰 USD 136K–176K
Apply for this role ↗

You'll be redirected to vast's official application page on Greenhouse.