Varda Space
Senior Structures Engineer
El Segundo, California, United States · Senior · Full-time
Sponsorship not specified$120k-$153kDetected 22 days ago
PythonMATLABANSYSAvionicsHardware DesignLeadershipCommunicationMentoringFiber Optics
About the role
- Varda is seeking an experienced Senior Structures Engineer to join our team.
- We are looking for engineers who thrive on solving complex problems, can operate effectively in a fast-paced environment, and share our passion for advancing in-space industry.
- This is a full-time, exempt position located at our El Segundo headquarters.
Responsibilities
- Derive hardware requirements and perform initial design trades given open-ended problem statements and stakeholder input.
- Evaluate the impact of hardware design decisions on packaging, thermal, environmental, and loads to ensure the best system-level solution.
- Own all aspects of hardware delivery, both technical and administrative.
- Use hand calculations, finite element analyses, and computer-aided designs (CAD) to ensure all hardware meets or exceeds requirements.
- Design and execute development and qualification testing.
- Develop tooling to support hardware integration and testing.
- Varda's W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline with 5+ years of experience in related applications (e.g., structures for automotive, aircraft, spacecraft, etc.).
- Excellent 3D CAD skills (ideally NX) and experience translating models to production intent (detailed drawings, work instructions, etc.).
- Experience with aerospace hardware development practices, from concept to delivery (e.g., qualification testing practices, design for typical space environments, cleanliness, etc.).
- Direct experience with spaceflight vehicles, especially reentry vehicles, and the associated technical challenges therein.
- Experience with programming tools (Python, Matlab, etc.).
- Experience designing and analyzing spacecraft heatshields
Nice to have
- Experience working with revision-controlled documentation in a PLM system (Teamcenter preferred).
- Preferred Skills and Experience
Compensation
- E2: $120,000 - 153,000 per year (1-3 years of exp)
- Sr. Engineer: $140,000 - 180,000 per year (3-6 years of exp)
- This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA
- Leveling and base salary are determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
Benefits
- Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays
- 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched H
- Varda offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial well‑being, and a high‑quality workplace experience.
- Below is an overview of what full‑time employees receive (at this time, interns receive a subset of benefits):
- Health & Wellness
- Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth.
- You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards
Company info
- Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind.
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This listing is sourced directly from Varda Space's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.