Spacecraft Technician ( Propulsion and Harness Integration – Satellites )

Varda Space Industries; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 37,195 - 41,328; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance, including Vision and Dental

401(k) matching

Unlimited PTO

Equity in a fully funded space startup

Lunch and snacks provided on site

Job summary

A leading space technology company in El Segundo is seeking a Spacecraft Technician responsible for the entire build process of vehicles. The ideal candidate has at least 1 year of hands-on experience in aerospace, with skills in metal machining, soldering, and assembly. You will work directly with engineers to enhance manufacturing processes in a collaborative environment. The role offers competitive pay and a variety of benefits, including health insurance and equity options.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience working hands-on as a technician in aerospace or aviation sectors.
• Teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills in a collaborative environment.
• Basic computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Stage and assemble flight and test equipment according to technical work instructions.
• Work directly with engineers to improve build processes.
• Execute electrical and pneumatic leak testing according to test plans.
• Assemble and test wire harness assemblies.

Skills

Metal Machining

Soldering & Harnessing

Structure Assembly

Propulsion Assembly

Vehicle Integration

Testing

Education

High School Diploma or equivalency certificate

Tools

Forklifts

Cranes

Basic metal machining tools

Job description

About Varda

Low 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. 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 Role

As a Spacecraft Technician, you will be responsible for the entire build process across Varda’s vehicle. At Varda, you will be empowered to improve manufacturing processes, own production facilities, and learn new skill sets to support full vehicle builds. A Spacecraft Technician will have experience in one or more of the following areas and be willing to learn others: Metal Machining, Soldering & Harnessing, Structure Assembly, Propulsion Assembly, Vehicle Integration, and Testing. Technicians are the first and last line of defense in ensuring a successful build. Technicians taking responsibility for the quality of work performed is key.

Responsibilities

• Stage and assemble flight and test equipment according to technical work instructions across a satellites complete build campaign
• Work directly with engineers to improve build processes
• Hands‑on operation on sensitive hardware
• Execute electrical and pneumatic leak testing according to test plans
• Rig vehicles for lifting operations
• Use precision calibrated tools
• Operate basic metal machining tools
• Assemble and test wire harness assemblies
• Complete production floor maintenance and upkeep

Basic Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1+ years of experience working hands‑on as a technician in aerospace or aviation sectors
• Teamwork, communication, and problem solving in a collaborative environment
• Basic computer skills

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Ability to read and execute work to engineering drawings and schematics
• Assembling and testing propulsion systems
• Assembling and testing electronic components
• Installing rivets, bolts, and HI‑LITE fasteners
• Testing integrated complex systems such as satellites, planes, or rockets
• Experience with forklifts, cranes, and lift rigging
• Working in cleanrooms with ESD sensitive components
• Knowledge of pressure, temperature, and load measurement devices
• Proficient with computers and MS Office
• FAA Airframe and PowerPlant license

Additional Requirements

• Must be physically able to regularly lift 25 lbs.
• Must be comfortable bending, stooping, and standing
• Hands‑on position requires standing for up to 6 hours a day and working directly with hardware on the floor

Pay Range

• Technician I: $27 to $30 per hour
• Technician II: $32 to $36 per hour
• Sr. Technician: $39 to $43 per hour
• Leveling and base salary is determined by job‑related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
• You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long‑term cash awards

ITAR Requirements

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. At present, some of our technology to which employees have access requires a license to be exported to individuals other than “U.S. Persons” as defined in U.S. export regulations. Because our employees are provided access to export‑controlled items, our current policy is to only hire “U.S. persons” who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license.

“U.S. 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 in the U.S.).

Learn more about the ITAR here.

Benefits

• Exciting team of professionals at the top of their field working by your side
• Equity in a fully funded space startup with potential for significant growth (interns excluded)
• 401(k) matching (interns excluded)
• Unlimited PTO (interns excluded)
• Health insurance, including Vision and Dental
• Lunch and snacks provided on site every day. Dinners provided twice a week.
• Maternity / Paternity leave (interns excluded)

Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, colour, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

E-Verify Statement

Varda 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.