Lead Mechanisms Engineer, Space Payloads

Varda Space Industries; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 182,000 - 232,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Relocation support

Performance bonuses

On-site facilities

Health & wellness program

Job summary

Varda Space Industries is hiring a Principal Mechanisms Engineer in El Segundo, CA for the Payload team to define and lead development of complex electromechanical flight hardware that operates in orbit, endures hypersonic reentry, and returns for inspection.

You will shape payload architecture across pharmaceutical manufacturing and hypersonic reentry testbeds—guiding systems from early concept through detailed design, integration, testing, launch, and recovery while partnering with leadership

Qualifications

• BS/BEng in Mechanical, Aerospace, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 7+ years designing, integrating, testing, and troubleshooting electromechanical hardware.
• Experience communicating with diverse technical and executive audiences, both internal and external.

Responsibilities

• Define architecture, requirements, and development plans for multi-payload or multi-mission systems.
• Lead complex mechanism and electromechanical subsystem design efforts.
• Drive system-level analyses, trade studies, and risk reduction using hand calcs, python/matlab models, FEA, etc.
• 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.
• Guide lessons-learned processes and influence payload development cycles.
• Mentor senior and entry-level engineers and shape best practices.

Education

BS/BEng in Mechanical, Aerospace, Mechatronics, or related field

Job description

Varda Space Industries is hiring a Principal Mechanisms Engineer in El Segundo, CA for the Payload team to define and lead development of complex electromechanical flight hardware that operates in orbit, endures hypersonic reentry, and returns for inspection.

You will shape payload architecture across pharmaceutical manufacturing and hypersonic reentry testbeds—guiding systems from early concept through detailed design, integration, testing, launch, and recovery while partnering with leadership