Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.
About this Role
As a Senior Payload Systems Integration & Test Engineer at Varda, you will own the end-to-end mission success for a diverse portfolio of payloads, including both internally designed payloads and hosted customer payloads. Example payloads may include inertial, RF, or optical sensors or communication systems, as well as various types of pharmaceutical processing equipment and instrumentation.
You will serve as the technical bridge between each payload and the Varda vehicle, defining interfaces, planning and executing integration and test campaigns, coordinating in-orbit operations, and ensuring safe recovery of payload data and hardware. When payloads require special accommodations or vehicle modifications, you will work across the vehicle engineering team to scope and implement these changes.
This role is ideal for system-minded engineers with broad cross-disciplinary background, looking to do both concept synthesis as well as hands-on integration and test.
Responsibilities
Act as responsible engineer for assigned payloads from initial scoping through post-flight data delivery, for both in-house pharma payloads and hosted customer payloads
Work with payload providers to understand mission objectives, derive detailed requirements, and capture detailed interfaces in formal ICDs
Take ambiguous mission concepts and formulate executable project plans, working with other engineering disciplines to scope & implement non-standard accommodations where necessary
Serve as the primary technical point of contact for external payload customers throughout the mission lifecycle (early-stage scoping through deorbit and recovery)
Plan and execute payload-level integration and test activities, including incoming inspection, functional checkouts, and environmental testing (vibration, EMI/EMC, TVAC), plus payload-specific verifications such as leak testing or pharmaceutical process testing
Identify, document, troubleshoot, and resolve technical issues that arise during integration and test activities
Work with mission operations engineers to define payload flight operations, command sequences, and operations procedures, and support on-console operations as needed to accomplish mission objectives
Drive continued evolution of standard payload interfaces, accommodations, and integration workflow (documented in the Payload User Guide)
Serve as a technical resource across the team, reviewing others' work and offering mentorship to earlier-career engineers where helpful
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Chemical, Systems Engineering, or other relevant field
5+ years of experience integrating and testing spacecraft, payloads, or comparably complex electro-mechanical hardware
Experience as the named responsible engineer for at least one payload or comparable hardware element through a full program cycle, including flight or equivalent end use
Experience developing and managing interface control documents, requirements, and verification/validation plans
Demonstrated ability to carry multiple hardware efforts concurrently against fixed schedule milestones
Wide technical background with knowledge in two or more of the following topics: structures, thermal management, electronics, embedded software, optics, RF systems, GNC, communication systems, fluid systems
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Comfortable working hands-on in a cleanroom with critical flight hardware
Must be physically able to regularly lift 25 lbs
Must be comfortable bending, stooping, and standing while working directly with hardware on the floor
Preferred Qualifications
Experience integrating hosted or customer-furnished payloads onto a spacecraft or launch vehicle
Hands-on experience with aerospace environmental testing (vibration, TVAC, EMI/EMC) and associated test standards (e.g., GSFC-STD-7000 and SMC-S-016)
Experience working with external partners or customers to define interfaces & coordinate joint execution
Exposure to pharmaceutical, biomedical, or other regulated-industry hardware and quality practices
Pay Range
Salary range: $140,333 - $202,703/per year
This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA
Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards
ITAR Requirements
Varda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our policy is to only hire “U.S. persons” who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license.
“US person” means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum).
E-Verify Statement
Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice
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Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
