Payload Systems Engineer II – Integration & Test

Varda Space; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 173,000; Full time

Job summary

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA is seeking a Payload Systems Integration & Test Engineer II to own end-to-end mission success for assigned payloads, including both in-house pharma payloads and hosted customer payloads. You will be the technical bridge between each payload and the Varda vehicle, defining interfaces, planning integration campaigns, and coordinating in-orbit operations.

This role is ideal for system-minded engineers who enjoy both concept synthesis and hands-on integration

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field.
• Experience with hardware integration and test campaigns.
• Strong problem solving across system-level issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in cleanroom or flight hardware environments.

Responsibilities

• Act as responsible engineer for assigned payloads from scoping to post-flight data delivery.
• Collaborate with payload providers to derive detailed requirements and interfaces.
• Scope and implement payload-specific vehicle changes with cross‑discipline teams.
• Serve as main technical contact for external payload customers throughout the mission lifecycle.
• Plan and execute payload integration and test activities including inspections and environmental testing.
• Identify and resolve technical issues during integration and test.

Skills

First-principles problem solving

Broad systems thinking

Strong written and verbal comms

Hands-on in cleanroom

Lift 25 lbs

Multi-task hardware efforts

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Chemical, Systems Engineering, or other relevant field

Tools

Environmental testing

Interface Control Documents (ICD)

Job description

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA is seeking a Payload Systems Integration & Test Engineer II to own end-to-end mission success for assigned payloads, including both in-house pharma payloads and hosted customer payloads. You will be the technical bridge between each payload and the Varda vehicle, defining interfaces, planning integration campaigns, and coordinating in-orbit operations.

This role is ideal for system-minded engineers who enjoy both concept synthesis and hands-on integration