Full-Time

Spacecraft Technician

Posted on 4/2/2025

Varda Space

Varda Space

51-200 employees

Manufactures products in microgravity environment

Compensation Overview

$27 - $43/hr

+ Stock Options + Long-term Cash Awards

Junior

No H1B Sponsorship

El Segundo, CA, USA

In Person

US Citizenship Required

Category
Propulsion
Materials & Structures
Research & Development
Aerospace Engineering
Requirements
  • 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
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
Desired Qualifications
  • 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

Varda Space Industries focuses on making low Earth orbit (LEO) accessible for various industries by manufacturing products in the unique microgravity environment of space. The company develops specialized reentry capsules to safely return these products to Earth. Varda is building the necessary infrastructure, including in-orbit production equipment and cost-effective reentry systems, to support these activities. Their clients include companies in telecommunications and pharmaceuticals, which can benefit from the advantages of space for manufacturing. Unlike many competitors, Varda's business model is centered on providing the infrastructure and services for in-space manufacturing, allowing them to charge clients for using their facilities and returning products. The goal of Varda is to industrialize LEO, enabling the production of advanced materials and life-saving drugs that can only be created in space.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

Early VC

Total Funding

$171.5M

Headquarters

El Segundo, California

Founded

2020

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Successful W-3 capsule landing shows Varda's reentry technology capabilities.
  • $90M funding round boosts Varda's in-space pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities.
  • Partnership with U.S. Air Force enhances Varda's position in advanced reentry technologies.

What critics are saying

  • Competition from Made In Space, a pioneer in in-space manufacturing since 2010.
  • Potential regulatory delays for reentry capsules could impact Varda's operations.
  • Dependence on SpaceX for launches may affect Varda's schedule if delays occur.

What makes Varda Space unique

  • Varda focuses on microgravity manufacturing for terrestrial applications, unlike traditional space companies.
  • They leverage low Earth orbit for unique product manufacturing, expanding economic boundaries.
  • Varda's infrastructure supports in-space production and safe reentry, differentiating them from competitors.

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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 that is about to go through massive growth

Company parties and generally a fun atmosphere

401(k)

Unlimited PTO

Health insurance

Lunch and snacks provided on site. Dinners twice a week for those working late.

Parental leave

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

-1%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

2%
SpaceNews
Jun 18th, 2025
Varda to launch its first in-house built spacecraft for on-orbit manufacturing

WASHINGTON - Varda Space Industries is preparing to launch its fourth spacecraft, W-4, on a SpaceX rideshare mission scheduled to launch as soon as June 21 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

SatNow
May 15th, 2025
Varda Space's W-3 Capsule Lands Successfully in South Australia

Varda Space Industries, which is building infrastructure and enabling fundamental science for a thriving orbital economy, has successfully reentered the W-3 capsule, which landed at the Koonibba Test Range, operated by Southern Launch, at 19:07 Pacific Daylight Time.

Defense News
May 14th, 2025
Varda lands third space capsule, carrying key hypersonic flight data

That application helped Varda secure a $60 million strategic funding increase in 2023 from AFRL, NASA and several private investors.

Daily Galaxy
Mar 19th, 2025
Revolutionizing Reentry: Varda's Space Capsule to Undergo Extreme Hypersonic Test

Varda Space Industries, in partnership with the U.S. Air Force, is pushing the boundaries of hypersonic reentry with its latest mission.

SatNow
Jan 16th, 2025
Varda Space Industries Launches W-2 Capsule with AFRL Payloads for Hypersonic Reentry Tests

Varda Space Industries launches W-2 capsule with AFRL payloads for hypersonic reentry tests.

INACTIVE