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About Varda
The environment of space hold the potential to craft products that profoundly enhance life on Earth. Varda is at the forefront of this endeavor, harnessing the unique environment of low earth orbit to produce these innovations and reintroduce them to our world. Our mission transcends mere exploration; we’re expanding the economic horizons of humanity.
At Varda, you’ll be positioned at the nexus of ambition and expertise. Our seasoned team, with its rich legacy in aerospace and technology, has honed its skills in the corridors of industry giants. Here, your contributions will be both cherished and critiqued by leaders who, with a wealth of experience behind them, are now devoted to the realm of extraterrestrial manufacturing.
While our aspirations soar high, our path is grounded in technical pragmatism and operational viability. Our conceptual operations are crystalline material processing and reentry, backed by years of research and development anchored in the International Space Station’s, and commercial space sectors expansive achievements.
Join Varda, and work to finally create a bustling in-space ecosystem.
About this Role
We are seeking a highly talented, self-motivated technical leader to join our rapidly growing startup as the Manager of Structures Engineering, you will be responsible for leading a highly skilled team of structures engineers in the clean sheet design and development of new spaceflight structures and reentry vehicles as well as improving on existing vehicle designs. In this role, you will oversee a wide array of mechanical systems, including: primary structure, secondary structures, mechanisms, avionics mechanical, mechanical ground support equipment (MGSE), and parachute systems. You will lead the team through the entire design cycle, from design and build, to test and fly, all the while setting the standard for quality, rigor and pace of execution. We are looking for engineers who enjoy solving complex and open-ended problems, can work effectively in a fast-paced environment, and share our passion in creating in-space industry.
This is a full-time, exempt position located in our El Segundo headquarters.
Responsibilities
- Lead the structures team, establishing clear objectives and priorities, in alignment with Varda’s mission and company directives.
- Technical leadership of a team of responsible engineers, overseeing the design, analysis, manufacturing test, and flight of Varda’s spacecraft mechanical systems.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure hardware cohesively satisfies all system requirements beyond just structural.
- Develop, set, and uphold the standard for best practices, to enable the team to execute at the highest standard of design reliability, ensuring robust hardware designs.
- Own, drive, and clearly communicate critical project technical and programmatic decisions to ensure overall project and program success.
- Management and mentorship of the structures engineering team development priorities, hiring, and career development or growth for the team.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related technical field.
- 5+ years of experience in an engineering role directly working on aerospace structures.
- Demonstrated knowledge in designing, building, testing, and flying aerospace mechanical systems.
- Proven track record managing a team of engineers around complex technical programs, preferably within aerospace or related industries.
- Strong first principles thinking with a deep understanding of structural design, analysis, and/or test
- Basic technical breadth across other disciplines (avionics, software, GNC, etc.).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Strong management and leadership experience with the ability to inspire a diverse team to rally around a common cause.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, enabling effective collaboration amongst team members, cross-functional teams and external partners.
- Demonstrated ability to make critical decisions and act as a tie-breaking authority in complex technical scenarios.
- Direct experience with spaceflight vehicles, especially reentry vehicles, and the associated technical challenges therein.
- Prior work in a fast-paced, startup environment.
Pay Range
- $151,000 – 180,000 per year
- This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA
- Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
- You will be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards
- Offer compensation also includes the ability to purchase company stock through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan
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.
“US 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 to working by your side
- Working in El Segundo, CA – an awesome Southern California beach city with quick access to entertainment and outdoor activities
- 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. 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, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial 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.
E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice
