Avionics Test Software Engineer

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in May 2026. Our team is all-in , committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.

Vast is looking for an Avionics Test Software Engineer , reporting to the Director of Avionics Test , to support the development 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:

• Develop Python software to perform automated testing of avionics hardware


• Own lifecycle of software to test avionics through development, qualification, and acceptance testing of manufactured avionics hardware


• Own integration of test equipment and avionics hardware under test, working closely with Test Engineers and Avionics Hardware owners to resolve test software automation challenges


• Support hardware, test, and avionics design engineers in defining test requirements and selecting test hardware


• Develop documentation and user manuals for test engineer and test technician handover


• Contribute to existing Python test automation framework and tooling


• Support problem solving for anomalies encountered during test execution

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or other engineering/physical science discipline


• Strong foundation of Object Oriented Programming in Python


• 3+ years of relevant experience


• 3+ years experience writing software to interface with instrumentation hardware (e.g. power supplies, measurement equipment, etc)


• Experience using Data Acquisition (DAQ) systems such as National Instruments or similar modular DAQ solutions


• Familiarity with software version control such a GitHub

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Familiarity with NASA SMC-S-016 test requirements


• Familiarity with power supplies, electronic loads, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and digital multimeters


• Familiarity with developing electronic instrumentation drivers using SCPI and pyVISA


• Familiarity with software unit testing using pytest and CI/CD


• Able to work in a Linux environment, and understanding of Linux kernel software and drivers


• Familiarity with Embedded Systems and understanding of C++

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones


• Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted

Pay Range:

• Avionics Test Software Engineer II: $133,300-$172,00


• Senior Avionics Test Software Engineer: $150,000-$199,920

Salary Range: California

$133,300 - $199,920 USD

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: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, 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, 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.