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. Varda’s W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses.

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

Spacecraft Technician ( Propulsion and Harness Integration – Satellites ) is responsible for the assembly, installation, routing, integration, and verification of satellite propulsion systems and electrical harnesses. This role supports satellite bus and vehicle integration by working closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Test, and Production teams to ensure hardware is built safely, accurately, and on schedule.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience working with flight hardware, mechanical assemblies, tubing, fittings, electrical harnesses, connectors, and cleanroom processes. This position requires strong attention to detail, the ability to follow work instructions, and a commitment to quality and safety.

Key Responsibilities

Propulsion Integration

Install and integrate satellite propulsion components, including:

Propulsion lines and tubing
Manifolds
Valves
Regulators
Thrusters
Thrust Structures
Tanks
Brackets, mounts, and support hardware
Fittings and fluid system components

Perform mechanical assembly using approved drawings, work instructions, and specifications.
Torque fasteners and fittings to required values using calibrated tools.
Support leak checks, pressure checks, functional testing, and system verification.
Handle propulsion components in accordance with cleanliness and contamination-control requirements.
Identify and communicate hardware fit, form, function, or drawing issues to Engineering and Quality.
Support troubleshooting and rework activities as directed by Engineering and Manufacturing leadership.

Harness Integration

Route, install, and secure electrical harnesses on satellite structures and subassemblies.
Perform connector mating and demating using proper ESD and handling procedures.
Install clamps, tie-downs, lacing, strain relief, and harness support hardware.
Verify harness routing against drawings, schematics, and work instructions.
Support continuity, resistance, insulation resistance, and functional checks as required.
Ensure harnesses are protected from pinch points, sharp edges, thermal zones, and moving assemblies.
Maintain proper bend radius, service loops, connector orientation, and separation requirements.

Documentation and Quality

Accurately complete work orders, travelers, inspection records, and build documentation.
Photo document sealing surfaces, seals, connector mating surfaces, pins and sockets.
Photo document and communicate nonconforming conditions.
Record torque values, serial numbers, lot numbers, and nonconformances as required.
Follow released drawings, procedures, redlines, and configuration-control requirements.
Maintain traceability of flight hardware.

Cleanroom and Safety

Work in cleanroom environments following gowning, FOD, ESD, and contamination-control practices.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
Follow all safety requirements when working around pressurized systems, chemicals, tools, and flight hardware.
Support hazardous operations only when properly trained and authorized.
Use PPE and calibrated equipment as required.

Required Qualifications

High school diploma, GED, trade school certificate, or equivalent hands-on experience.
3+ years of experience in aerospace, satellite, aircraft, automotive, defense, or high-reliability manufacturing.
Experience reading and following:

Engineering drawings
Work instructions
Schematics
Assembly procedures
Assembly specifications

Hands-on experience with mechanical assembly and electrical harness installation.
Ability to use common hand tools, torque wrenches, calipers, multimeters, and inspection tools.
Strong attention to detail and ability to work with flight or high-value hardware.
Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
Comfortable working in a cleanroom or controlled manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with satellite or spacecraft integration.
Experience with propulsion systems, fluid systems, tubing, fittings, and pressure systems.
Experience with harness routing, connector mating, crimping, soldering, or continuity testing.
Familiarity with ESD, FOD, and cleanroom protocols.
Experience supporting leak checks, pressure testing, or functional testing.
Knowledge of aerospace quality systems and nonconformance processes.
Experience with flight hardware traceability and configuration control.
IPC/WHMA-A-620 or J-STD-001 certification is a plus.

Required Skills

Mechanical assembly
Harness routing and installation
Torque application
Connector handling
Cleanroom discipline
FOD control
ESD awareness
Work instruction compliance
Attention to detail
Problem solving
Communication with Engineering and Quality
Schedule accountability

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand, bend, reach, and work around satellite hardware for extended periods.
Ability to lift up to 25–50 lbs depending on company requirements.
Ability to work in cleanroom gowning.
Ability to use hand tools for extended periods.
Ability to work around delicate flight hardware and confined assembly areas.

Work Environment

This position is performed in a satellite manufacturing, integration, and test environment. Work may include cleanroom operations, production floor support, test support, and hands-on integration of flight hardware. Overtime, weekend support, or shift flexibility may be required to support production schedules and vehicle delivery milestones.

Success Criteria

A successful Propulsion and Harness Integration Technician will:

Follow work instructions and drawings with minimal supervision.
Complete builds safely, correctly, and on schedule.
Maintain high standards for cleanliness, FOD control, and hardware handling.
Communicate issues early before they impact schedule or quality.
Support Engineering, Quality, and Test teams during integration and troubleshooting.
Take ownership of workmanship, documentation, and final hardware quality.

Pay Range

Technician I: $29 to $33 per hour

Technician II: $34 to $39 per hour

Sr. Technician: $40 to $45 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

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Benefits

Varda 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

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. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our 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).

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