Senior Systems, Integration, and Test EngineerEl Segundo, California, United StatesAbout VardaLow Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. 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.From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind.Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.About This RoleAs a Senior Systems, Integration & Test Engineer, you will own the vehicle from integration through launch and improve the process along the way.
This is not a support role - you will lead design trades, define the test campaign, execute tests on the floor, and command the vehicle once it is in orbit. The W-series vehicle, capsule and satellite bus, is built in-house and this role owns it end-to-end. Varda has completed five missions, with four launched in 2025 alone.This role sits at the intersection of systems and I&T - design reviews the morning and testing on the floor in the afternoon. This role interfaces with all engineering departments and engineers must be able to drive conflicting requirements to implemented solutions.ResponsibilitiesOwn technical decisions to ensure vehicle successCreate and own the vehicle integration and test campaign to validate and verify vehicle flight readinessAnalyze and optimize system-level performance metrics, including but not limited to mass, delta-V, power, and data budgets. Make trade calls when subsystems have conflicting requirementsDirect and influence the vehicle design by leading system-level trades and design reviews to drive top-level vehicle design, functionality, and ultimately performanceManage the technical outcome and milestone schedule to enable the delivery of vehicles on scheduleOwn vehicle schematic and harness design by understanding and providing input to vehicle avionics, propulsion, and guidance systemsEvaluate vehicle change impacts and drive execution of vehicle-level change implementationUtilize python to automate system testing and data review by building the tools the team depends onOperate vehicles in space: execute procedures, determine vehicle health, and poll subsystemsBasic QualificationsB.S. degree in engineering, physics, or related field and 5+ years of experience in systems, integration, and/or test on critical hardware programsExperience as the decision maker on a test campaign – not simply supporting oneTeamwork, communication, and problem solving in a collaborative environmentProven experience working on complex technical programsStrong first principles thinking and technical breadth across relevant fields (electrical, mechanical, software, etc.)Working knowledge of aerospace vehicle subsystemsHands-on experience building aerospace vehiclesMust be physically able to regularly lift 25 lbs.Must be comfortable bending, stooping, and standingHands-on position may require standing and working directly with hardware on the floorPreferred Skills and ExperienceHands-on experience with GNC and propulsion sensors and actuatorsDesigned and owned vehicle-level design trades and/or test campaigns on a program that completed successfullyDeep knowledge of satellite systems engineering, including all satellite subsystemsExperience with project management of the full lifecycle of a projectCapability to solve complex problems autonomously as an individual or as a member of an integrated teamExperience with one or more general-purpose programming languages, such as C++ & PythonExperience with aerospace hardware development practices (e.g., qualification testing practices, design for typical space environments, cleanliness, etc.)Prior work in a technical leadership role for a launch vehicle or satellite development effortExperience supporting flight test or flying spacecraftExperience in a production environmentWiring schematic, harness design, and harness manufacturing experienceUnigraphics NX experience or similar CAD softwarePay RangeSalary Range: $140,000.00 - $180,000.00/per yearThis role is on-site in El Segundo, CALeveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performanceYou will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awardsBenefitsVarda 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 & WellnessFlexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA optionsVoluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance$120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven ClinicSponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependentsFinancial & RetirementSubstantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)$20/pay period cell phone reimbursementRelocation support for new hires, if neededWorkplace Experience & PerksFully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weeklyCompany and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrationsComplimentary EV chargingITAR RequirementsVarda, 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 StatementVarda 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