About this RoleVarda is looking for a motivated Structures Engineer to join our team. In this role, you'll support the design, analysis, testing, and integration of structural components for our spaceflight systems and reentry vehicles. This is a great opportunity to grow your engineering skills while working alongside experienced engineers on real hardware in a fast-paced environment. You'll contribute to projects that range from spacecraft structures to mechanical ground support equipment, while learning how to apply engineering fundamentals to solve complex, real-world problems.
This is a full-time, exempt position located at our El Segundo headquarters.
Responsibilities- Derive hardware requirements and perform initial design trades given open-ended problem statements and stakeholder input.
- Evaluate the impact of hardware design decisions on packaging, thermal, environmental, and loads to ensure the best system-level solution.
- Own all aspects of hardware delivery, both technical and administrative.
- Use hand calculations, finite element analyses, and computer-aided designs (CAD) to ensure all hardware meets or exceeds requirements.
- Design and execute development and qualification testing.
- Develop tooling to support hardware integration and testing.
Basic Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline with 1+ years of experience in related applications (e.g., structures for automotive, aircraft, spacecraft, etc.).
- Strong first principles thinking with an understanding of structural design, analysis, and test.
- Ability to perform appropriate structural analyses to demonstrate that a structure design meets or exceeds requirements (e.g., Hand Calcs, Ansys, Femap, Nastran, etc.).
- Familiarity with 3D CAD software (ideally NX).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Eagerness to learn and work on hands-on hardware projects.
- Excitement about making history at the forefront of both the space and pharmaceutical industries.
Preferred Skills and Experience- Experience with aerospace hardware development practices, from concept to delivery (e.g., qualification testing practices, design for typical space environments, cleanliness, etc.).
- Experience with programming tools (Python, Matlab, etc.).
- Comfortable with hands-on assembly, fabrication, and machining of metallic parts.
- Familiarity with PLM software (ideally Teamcenter)
Pay Range- E1: $105,000 - $140,000 per year (1-1.5 years of exp)
- E2: $120,000 - $153,000 per year (1-3 years of exp)
- Sr. Engineer: $140,000 - 180,000 per year (3-6 years of exp)
- This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA
- 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
BenefitsConsider your benefits covered for launch. At Varda, we invest in benefits and perks that support your health, financial well-being, and life beyond work. Benefits vary by position, with packages designed specifically for our regular full-time employees and interns.
Regular Full-Time Positions: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
Intern Positions:Health & Wellness
- Paid observed holidays
- 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options
- $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
- Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents
Financial
- $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
- Up to $4,000 gross up in relocation support, if eligible
- Up to $850 commute credit through Lyft or car rental reimbursement, if eligible
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
