Varda Space
Principal Mechanisms Engineer - Payloads
El Segundo, California, United States · Principal
No sponsorship$180k-$230kDetected 15 hours ago
PythonMATLABFEAAvionicsEMI/EMCHardware DesignLeadershipFiber Optics
About the role
- As a Principal Mechanisms Engineer on Varda's Payload team, you will define and lead the development of complex electromechanical flight hardware that operates in orbit, endures hypersonic reentry, and returns to Earth for inspection and iteration.
- You will shape payload architecture across pharmaceutical manufacturing and hypersonic reentry testbed missions-guiding systems from early concept through detailed design, integration, testing, launch, and recovery.
- You'll work closely with internal leadership and external partners, translating mission needs into engineering strategy and technical direction.
Responsibilities
- Lead complex mechanism and electromechanical subsystem design efforts
- Drive system-level analyses, trade studies, and risk reduction using a variety of tools (hand calcs, python/matlab models, FEA, etc. as needed)
- Lead cross-functional project teams across avionics, software, thermal, systems, integration
- Represent Varda to senior internal leadership and external partners
- Drive subsystem requirements, ICDs, verification plans, and documentation
- Lead build, integration, testing, mission operations, recovery, and anomaly resolution
- Relocation support for new hires, if needed
Requirements
- 7+ years of experience designing, integrating, testing, and troubleshooting electromechanical hardware
- Deep mechanical expertise with breadth in at least two adjacent disciplines (avionics, software, thermal, optics, test, etc.)
- Track record leading teams through full cycle electromechanical space flight hardware development
- Experience communicating with diverse technical and executive audiences, both internal and external
- 3+ years of cross-functional project leadership experience
- Experience leading government-facing technical programs
Nice to have
- Preferred Skills And Experience
Compensation
- Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
- $180,000 - $230,000/per year
- Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up
- $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
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 HSA options
- $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
- 12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)
- Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic
- Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents
- Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up
- 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
- $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
Visa & Work Authorization
- 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.
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This listing is sourced directly from Varda Space's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.