Head of Avionics Test

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 AVIONICS TEST ABL’s Head of Avionics Test 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 Avionics Test 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 Avionics Test 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 Avionics 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.
• 5+ years of avionics test experience
• 1+ years of leadership 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 scr