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Varda Space

In-orbit manufacturing with reentry return services

Spacecraft Technician - Propulsion and Harness Integration, Satellites

PropulsionConfirmed live in the last 24 hours
Full-timeEl Segundo, CA, USAIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

  • A high school diploma, GED, trade school certificate, or equivalent hands-on experience is required.
  • At least 3 years of experience in aerospace, satellite, aircraft, automotive, defense, or high-reliability manufacturing is required.
  • Experience reading and following engineering drawings, work instructions, schematics, assembly procedures, and assembly specifications is required.
  • Hands-on experience with mechanical assembly and electrical harness installation is required.
  • Ability to use common hand tools, torque wrenches, calipers, multimeters, and inspection tools is required.
  • Strong attention to detail and the ability to work with flight or high-value hardware are required.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team is required.
  • Ability to work in a cleanroom or controlled manufacturing environment is required.
  • Ability to stand, bend, reach, and work around satellite hardware for extended periods is required.
  • Ability to lift up to 25–50 lbs, depending on company requirements, is required.
  • Ability to work in cleanroom gowning and use hand tools for extended periods is required.
  • Ability to work around delicate flight hardware and in confined assembly areas is required.
  • Mechanical assembly, harness routing and installation, torque application, connector handling, cleanroom discipline, foreign object debris control, electrostatic discharge awareness, and work-instruction compliance are required.
  • Problem solving, communication with Engineering and Quality, and schedule accountability are required.
  • Employees must be lawfully authorized to work in the United States and qualify as a U.S. person for access to export-controlled items: a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Responsibilities

  • Install and integrate satellite propulsion components, including propulsion lines and tubing, manifolds, valves, regulators, thrusters, thrust structures, tanks, brackets, mounts, 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 according to 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.
  • Route, install, and secure electrical harnesses on satellite structures and subassemblies.
  • Perform connector mating and demating using proper electrostatic discharge 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.
  • Complete work orders, travelers, inspection records, and build documentation accurately.
  • Photograph sealing surfaces, seals, connector mating surfaces, pins, and sockets.
  • Photograph 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.
  • Work in cleanroom environments following gowning, foreign object debris, electrostatic discharge, and contamination-control practices.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
  • Follow safety requirements when working around pressurized systems, chemicals, tools, and flight hardware.
  • Support hazardous operations only when properly trained and authorized.
  • Use personal protective equipment and calibrated equipment as required.
  • Support production floor and test activities, and hands-on integration of flight hardware.
  • Work overtime, weekends, or flexible shifts as needed to support production schedules and vehicle delivery milestones.
  • Follow work instructions and drawings with minimal supervision; complete builds safely, correctly, and on schedule.
  • Maintain high standards for cleanliness, foreign object debris control, and hardware handling.
  • Communicate issues early before they affect schedule or quality.
  • Support Engineering, Quality, and Test teams during integration and troubleshooting.
  • Take ownership of workmanship, documentation, and final hardware quality.

Desired Qualifications

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

About the Company

Varda Space

In-orbit manufacturing with reentry return services

Varda Space Industries provides in-space manufacturing by operating production facilities in low Earth orbit and returning finished goods to Earth using reentry capsules. Clients send materials or designs to Varda’s in-orbit production line, where microgravity enables manufacturing processes not possible on Earth. After production, capsules re-enter Earth's atmosphere to deliver goods back to customers, supported by in-orbit equipment and reliable reentry systems. The company aims to make low Earth orbit accessible for multiple industries by building end-to-end space manufacturing infrastructure and industrializing orbit for commercial use.

Company size
201-500
Company stage
Series D
Total funding
$609.5M
Headquarters
El Segundo, CA
Founded
2020

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