Head of Avionics Test and Operations
El Segundo, California
Engineering – Electronic Systems /
Full-time /
On-site
ABL Space Systems was founded in 2017 by veterans of SpaceX and Morgan Stanley to develop low-cost launch vehicles for the small satellite industry. More importantly, we’re building a launch system we are truly proud of – no gimmicks or over-design, just reliable, rapidly deployable launches. We’re an ambitious team with big goals and, together, we’re determined to prove that reaching space can be simple, efficient, and routine.
When launch day arrives, we want you by our side
Head of Electrical Test and Operations
ABL’s Head of Electrical Test and Operations is critical to mission success, ensuring the bridge between hardware responsible for producing thousands of pounds of thrust and software guiding the payload safely to the correct orbit operates as designed.
The Head of Electrical Test and Operations is responsible for leading all validation aspects of the avionics system of the rocket – from flight computers, flight termination systems, vehicle harnessing, flight software, and simulation as they design and support the hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) test beds in a highly dynamic environment working across technical domains to develop extensible and maintainable test beds
As a member of the Electronic systems team, they will be responsible for architecting end-to-end avionics simulation and test by providing the platform to validate system functionality. The Head of Electrical Test and Operations will have ownership of the HITL system from design, integration, and support. Their strategic understanding and leadership of the vehicle design enables quick system design and bring-up. The Head of Electrical Test and Operations will also lead vehicle tests and checkouts at the factory, test sites, and launch sites.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead design, development, and support of complex hardware-in-the-loop systems for existing and new vehicle designs
- Lead and manage a team of test rack software, hardware and test operations groups
- Drive design and sustainment of system integration beds through deep understanding of system requirements, interface definition, verification plans, and vehicle hardware/software development
- Lead design maintainable and extensible hardware/software solutions to electrically simulate actuators and sensors used for our vehicles (PTs, RTDs, HDRMs, LVDTs, servos, IMUs, GPS, solenoids, etc.) simply and efficiently
- Create integrated system tests to enhance cross discipline operator training and flight software verification/validation through design of component simulation systems, harnessing, fault injection mechanisms, and automated data analysis tooling
- Analyze and review data to verify the avionics system under test meets specifications and design requirements
- Perform avionics systems integration, checkout and troubleshooting of anomalies
- Plan, develop, and execute system level integration tests to ensure system requirements are met
- Write, review, and maintain test and verification plans by partnering closely with stakeholders from Avionics, GNC, Vehicle, and Propulsion teams
- Automate data collection, review, and maintain system integration test artifacts for gated reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR)
- Focus on Test Racks and Testing Automation with support and management of the operational support for AVI for stage and system level testing
- This role is a 100% onsite role with up to 30% travel during launch campaigns
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- B.S. degree or higher in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or related subject area.
- 1+ years of leadership experience
- 5+ years of avionics test experience
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- 3+ proven years of relevant experience in a startup environment
- Experience working in hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) or system integration labs (SIL).
- Demonstrated electrical engineering, digital and analog circuit fundamentals, and lab skills (ability to read schematics, understand datasheets, debug PCBs)
- Experience with test automation and automated data analysis
- Applied experience with embedded systems
- General understanding of instrumentation, interfaces, and common communication protocols including DMMs, DAQ, electronic loads, power supplies, oscilloscopes, GPIO, Serial-422, UDP, GigE, I2C, SPI
- Hands-on experience soldering or fabricating harnesses
- Experience writing test plans, test procedures, and verification matrixes
- Proven history of integrating software and hardware systems
- Familiarity with Unix-like operating systems
- Experienced in the use of standard electronic lab test and troubleshooting equipment.
- Proficiency with programming and scripting languages (C++, C, C#, Python, Lua, etc.)
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Preference for and ability to thrive as a member of a small agile team
WHAT WE LOOK FOR:
- Critical thinking: ABL engineers understand the “why” behind all design decisions, operational events and test outcomes
- Ability to deal with ambiguity: ABL engineers must be comfortable defining their own pathway to an objective
- End-to end ownership: projects are delivered fully complete and ready for flight
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENTS:
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
- Ability to use a computer to complete assignments
- Ability to communicate with individuals and groups in person, by phone and telepresence
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee will typically work in an office environment
$160,000 - $190,000 a year
The salary range for this role is $160,000 - $190,000. This is the lowest to highest salary we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k) to eligible employees with up to 4% employer match.
ITAR Requirement
This position requires access to information protected under US export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations. As such, US person status (including US citizens, U.S. permanent residents, individuals granted U.S. asylum status, or individuals admitted in U.S. refugee status) is a required qualification for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work and access export-controlled data) and will not be discriminated against on the basis of such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage applicants of all ages.
