Head of Avionics Test and Operations

ABL Space Systems is driven by the vision that in ten years, missions to space will launch every day from around the world. We’ve set out to assure global access to space through the development of a low-cost launch vehicle and a modular ground system, RS1 and GS0.

Behind our business model is an exceptional team. Engineers, technicians and operators at ABL thrive on creating simple yet effective systems to tackle the challenge that space launch presents.

Launch is just the beginning. Join ABL in paving the way for the next-generation space platform.

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
  
  
  

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 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

This is the lowest to highest compensation range 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 compensation 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.

In addition to salary and equity, we offer:

• Low cost medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Company paid life insurance LTD coverage
• 4% 401k match
• Student loan repayment assistance program
• Paid parental leave
• Family planning assistance program
• Company paid financial wellness program
• Flexible vacation policy for exempt employees
• Relocation bonus offered to qualified candidates
  
  
  

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.