Senior Systems, Integration, and Test Engineer

As a Senior Systems, Integration & Test Engineer, you will own the vehicle from integration through launch and improve the process along the way. This is not a support role - you will lead design trades, define the test campaign, execute tests on the floor, and command the vehicle once it is in orbit. The W-series vehicle, capsule and satellite bus, is built in-house and this role owns it end-to-end. Varda has completed five missions, with four launched in 2025 alone.

This role sits at the intersection of systems and I&T - design reviews the morning and testing on the floor in the afternoon. This role interfaces with all engineering departments and engineers must be able to drive conflicting requirements to implemented solutions.

B.S. degree in engineering, physics, or related field and 5+ years of experience in systems, integration, and/or test on critical hardware programs

Experience as the decision maker on a test campaign – not simply supporting one

Teamwork, communication, and problem solving in a collaborative environment

Proven experience working on complex technical programs

Strong first principles thinking and technical breadth across relevant fields (electrical, mechanical, software, etc.)

Working knowledge of aerospace vehicle subsystems

Hands-on experience building aerospace vehicles

Must be physically able to regularly lift 25 lbs.

Must be comfortable bending, stooping, and standing

Hands-on position may require standing and working directly with hardware on the floor

Hands-on experience with GNC and propulsion sensors and actuators

Designed and owned vehicle-level design trades and/or test campaigns on a program that completed successfully

Deep knowledge of satellite systems engineering, including all satellite subsystems

Experience with project management of the full lifecycle of a project

Capability to solve complex problems autonomously as an individual or as a member of an integrated team

Experience with one or more general-purpose programming languages, such as C++ & Python

Experience with aerospace hardware development practices (e.g., qualification testing practices, design for typical space environments, cleanliness, etc.)

Prior work in a technical leadership role for a launch vehicle or satellite development effort

Experience supporting flight test or flying spacecraft

Experience in a production environment

Wiring schematic, harness design, and harness manufacturing experience

Unigraphics NX experience or similar CAD software

Salary Range: $140,333-$179,314/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 incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards

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).

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.

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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.