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Manager Avionics Test Station Jobs in Reston, VA

Principal Systems Test Engineer

Manassas, VA ยท On-site

$139K - $168K/yr

SIL/HIL labs for flight controls, avionics, and aircraft as a whole; engineering flight simulators ... Lead and mentor data management of all testing for use by engineering.Build automated test ...

Principal Systems Test Engineer

Manassas, VA ยท On-site

$139K - $168K/yr

SIL/HIL labs for flight controls, avionics, and aircraft as a whole; engineering flight simulators ... Lead and mentor data management of all testing for use by engineering. * Build automated test ...

Showing results 21-40

Manager Avionics Test Station information

See Reston, VA salary details

$38.5K

$99.3K

$179.5K

How much do manager avionics test station jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager avionics test station in Reston, VA is $99,316.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,600.00 and $114,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Manager Avionics Test Station vs Avionics Test Technician?

AspectManager Avionics Test StationAvionics Test Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in avionics, electrical engineering, or related field, plus management experienceUsually requires an associate degree or technical certification in avionics or electronics
Work EnvironmentSupervises test station operations, manages teams, and oversees testing processes in aerospace facilitiesPerforms testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of avionics systems on aircraft or test equipment
Industry UsageCommonly found in aerospace manufacturing, maintenance, and repair organizationsFound in aircraft maintenance, repair, and testing facilities

The Manager Avionics Test Station focuses on overseeing testing operations and managing teams, requiring leadership skills and higher-level certifications. In contrast, the Avionics Test Technician performs hands-on testing and troubleshooting of avionics systems, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in aerospace testing environments but differ mainly in responsibility level and scope of work.

What does a manager avionics test station do?

A Manager Avionics Test Station oversees the operation and maintenance of test stations used to evaluate and troubleshoot avionics systems in aircraft. They are responsible for managing a team of technicians, ensuring that all testing equipment is functioning correctly, and that testing procedures comply with industry standards and safety regulations. This role also involves coordinating testing schedules, analyzing test data, and implementing improvements to testing processes to enhance efficiency and reliability.

What are the main challenges a manager avionics test station typically faces, and how can they effectively address them?

A Manager Avionics Test Station often encounters challenges such as maintaining compliance with rigorous safety and quality standards, managing a diverse team of technicians and engineers, and keeping up with rapidly evolving avionics technology. To address these challenges, it's important to implement robust training programs, foster a culture of open communication, and stay informed about industry regulations and advancements. Effective managers also prioritize preventive maintenance and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure optimal test station performance and reliability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manager avionics test station?

To thrive as a Manager Avionics Test Station, you need expertise in avionics systems, electronics, and test engineering, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field and relevant industry experience. Familiarity with automated test equipment (ATE), diagnostic tools, and certifications such as FAA repairman approval or IPC standards are often required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help manage teams and coordinate with other departments. These skills ensure the reliability of critical avionics systems, regulatory compliance, and efficient workflow in demanding aerospace environments.
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Spacecraft GNC Integration & Test Engineer

Quantum Space

Rockville, MD โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Who We're Looking For
Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly.
We are seeking a Spacecraft GNC Integration & Test Engineer to lead integration, verification, validation, and hardware testing of the Guidance, Navigation & Control subsystem. In this role, you will own GNC hardware integration, anomaly resolution, and subsystem verification from component integration through flight acceptance. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys working where simulation meets flight hardware.
Where You'll Make an Impact
  • Own integration, verification, validation, and flight acceptance of the spacecraft Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) subsystem from engineering development through spacecraft delivery.
  • Develop, document, execute, and automate GNC verification procedures supporting subsystem, system, qualification, acceptance, and environmental testing.
  • Plan and execute GNC hardware characterization and calibration activities, including inertial sensor characterization (Allan variance, bias instability, and angular random walk), sensor alignment, timing synchronization and phasing, and spacecraft magnetic characterization campaigns.
  • Develop and operate Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL), Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), FlatSat, and closed-loop simulation environments to verify flight software and spacecraft behavior.
  • Integrate and validate spacecraft sensors, actuators, avionics, propulsion, and flight software while troubleshooting hardware, software, and system-level anomalies.
  • Correlate high-fidelity simulation results with hardware test data to validate GNC algorithms, dynamic models, estimation performance, and control system behavior.
  • Perform Monte Carlo analyses and mission-level performance assessments to verify spacecraft operating modes, robustness, and requirements compliance across expected uncertainties and disturbances.
  • Analyze spacecraft telemetry and test data to identify root cause, recommend corrective actions, and improve GNC subsystem performance throughout integration, environmental test, and flight operations.
  • Develop verification evidence supporting requirements closure and participate in technical reviews.
  • Collaborate closely with systems, flight software, avionics, propulsion, mission design, and mission operations teams to deliver a fully verified and flight-ready spacecraft.

What It Takes
  • B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related field.
  • 3-8+ years of experience in spacecraft or high-reliability GNC development.
  • Strong foundation in rigid-body dynamics, and classical/modern control theory.
  • Experience with sensor fusion for spacecraft-relevant sensors (IMUs, star trackers, sun sensors, GNSS, ranging sensors).
  • Experience developing, documenting, executing, and following formal test procedures and verification plans
  • Hands-on experience testing attitude control system hardware and ability to troubleshoot issues encountered during integration and test activities
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret technical data and recommend corrective actions
  • Experience collaborating within multidisciplinary engineering teams, with strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate technical issues and risks.
  • Proficiency with engineering analysis and simulation tools such as C++, MATLAB/Simulink, Python.
  • Experience conducting Monte Carlo analyses to verify spacecraft operating modes, mission performance, and system robustness under varying conditions and uncertainties.
  • Ability to operate in a fast-paced, hardware-integrated environment with shifting priorities.

Nice-to-Have Experience
  • Hands-on experience with testbeds, HITL environments, or closed-loop simulation frameworks.
  • Experience supporting spacecraft integration, verification, validation, and environmental testing
  • Experience with requirements verification and validation using systems engineering processes.
  • Knowledge of aerospace industry standards and best practices for spacecraft testing and verification.
  • Experience with RPO, proximity operations, autonomous maneuver planning, or high-ฮ”V vehicle dynamics.
  • Familiarity with MAX FSW and MAX GDS or other modern COTS flight software environments.
  • Experience with EKF variants, covariance analysis, or nonlinear control approaches.
  • Background with thruster-based ACS, high-agility control architectures, or propulsion-coupled dynamics.
  • Experience analyzing 6DOF models incorporating propellant slosh and flexible-body dynamics.
  • Experience with fault management logic, safing modes, and on-orbit anomaly investigation.
  • Prior experience working in fast-paced startups or NewSpace organizations.

What You'll Get
  • Ownership - Build and validate the GNC capability that defines how our spacecraft maneuver, point, and operate autonomously.
  • Innovation - Shape next-generation GNC architectures, algorithms, and tools for high-agility missions.
  • Impact - Directly influence spacecraft controllability, autonomy, and mission success across cislunar and GEO operations.
  • Growth - Collaborate across avionics, FSW, systems, and mission ops, with opportunities to expand into dynamics modeling, autonomy, or flight operations.
  • Compensation - Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity participation.

Location: Rockville, MD
Base Salary: $130,000 - $180,000
The salary range for this role is determined based on a variety of factors including work experience, education, technical expertise, certifications, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package.
Additional Requirements
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual under 8 U.S.C. ยง1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Apply now. Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.