Avionics Software Test Engineer

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 an Avionics Software Test Engineer, reporting to the Staff Avionics Software Test Engineer,, to support the development of the 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 and implement Python software for automated testing of flight-critical avionics hardware

Manage the complete software lifecycle for avionics test systems, from initial development through qualification and acceptance testing of production hardware

Integrate test equipment with avionics hardware under test, collaborating with Test Engineers and Avionics Responsible Engineers to resolve automation challenges

Partner cross-functionally with hardware, test, and avionics teams to define test requirements and recommend test equipment solutions

Create clear, comprehensive documentation and user guides for test engineer and technician handover

Enhance and extend the existing Python test automation framework with new capabilities and tooling

Diagnose and troubleshoot test anomalies, providing root cause analysis and resolution

Conduct code reviews and drive accountability in following core software engineering principles

Minimum Qualifications:

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

Proficiency in Object-Oriented Programming with Python 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 as Git Hub Experience  with software unit testing and CI/CDStrong documentation and communication skills

Proficiency in leveraging AI coding assistants and workflows to accelerate development, debug complex issues, and improve code quality

Preferred

Skills & Experience:

Familiarity with NASA SMC-S-016 test requirements and standards

Experience with AWS services and cloud-based development tools

Practical experience operating power supplies, electronic loads, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and digital multimeters

Knowledge of electronic instrumentation drivers using SCPI and pyVISAComfortable working in Linux environments with understanding of kernel software and device drivers

Experience with embedded systems and C++…