About This RoleWe're looking for a Senior Technical Recruiter who thrives on sourcing and closing hard-to-find technical talent. You will own end-to-end recruiting across key engineering disciplines including software, avionics, propulsion, thermal, structures, manufacturing, etc. This is an execution-first role - you'll spend the majority of your time in the market, generating pipeline, and running searches, as we continue to scale production.
Responsibilities- Manage 4-8 active searches simultaneously, keeping pipeline full and moving without needing to be chased
- Proactively source engineering talent through multiple channels: active outreach, referrals, and passive candidate generation
- Conduct recruiter screens to assess engineering fundamentals, systems thinking, and hardware integration experience
- Drive offers through to close, including compensation and equity conversations
- Take full accountability for search outcomes on your reqs - use data and metrics to identify and unblock bottlenecks
- Operate with urgency and self-direction; flag risk early rather than let a search stall
- Collaborate with stakeholders to keep hiring processes and candidate assessment frameworks current
Basic Qualifications - 5+ years of full-cycle technical recruiting with a track record of high-volume, hands-on sourcing for engineering roles
- A demonstrated self-starter who takes full accountability for outcomes without close oversight; comfortable operating with ambiguity and pushing searches forward independently
- Proven ability to source and close senior/staff-level engineering talent in competitive markets
- Clear, proactive communicator with both candidates and hiring managers; keeps stakeholders informed without being asked
- Strong technical fluency; can speak credibly with engineers about their work
Preferred Skills and Experience- In-house recruiting experience at a hardware or deep tech startup (Series A through growth stage)
Compensation & Location- Base Salary: $120,000 - $160,000/per year
- Leveling and base salary are 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
- Location: El Segundo, CA (onsite)
BenefitsVarda 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 & Wellness- 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
- Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance
- $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
Financial & Retirement - 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
- Relocation support for new hires, if needed
Workplace Experience & Perks - Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
- Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
- Complimentary EV charging
