Payload Systems Integration and Test Engineer

Varda Space•El Segundo, CA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Payload Systems Integration and Test Engineer at Varda will own the end-to-end mission success for a diverse portfolio of payloads, including both internally designed payloads and hosted customer payloads. Example payloads may include inertial, RF, or optical sensors or communication systems, as well as various types of pharmaceutical processing equipment and instrumentation. You will serve as the technical bridge between each payload and the Varda vehicle, defining interfaces, planning and executing integration and test campaigns, coordinating in-orbit operations, and ensuring safe recovery of payload data and hardware. When payloads require special accommodations or vehicle modifications, you will work across the vehicle engineering team to scope and implement these changes. This role is ideal for system-minded engineers with broad cross-disciplinary background, looking to do both concept synthesis as well as hands-on integration and test.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Chemical, Systems Engineering, or other relevant field
2+ years of experience integrating and testing spacecraft, payloads, or comparably complex electro-mechanical hardware
First-principles problem solving and broad system-level thinking
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Comfortable working hands-on in a cleanroom with critical flight hardware
Must be physically able to regularly lift 25 lbs
Must be comfortable bending, stooping, and standing while working directly with hardware on the floor

Nice To Haves

Experience integrating hosted or customer-furnished payloads onto a spacecraft or launch vehicle
Experience developing and managing interface control documents, requirements, and verification/validation plans
Hands-on experience with aerospace environmental testing (vibration, TVAC, EMI/EMC) and familiarity with standards such as GSFC-STD-7000 and SMC-S-016
Exposure to pharmaceutical, biotech, or other regulated-industry hardware and quality practices
Working knowledge of export control regulations (ITAR/EAR) as applied to technical exchanges with external parties

Responsibilities

Act as responsible engineer for assigned payloads from initial scoping through post-flight data delivery, for both in-house pharma payloads and hosted customer payloads
Work with payload providers to scope and define payload-to-vehicle interfaces, capture requirements in ICDs and coordinate any special accommodations or vehicle changes with related engineering disciplines
Serve as the primary technical point of contact for external payload customers throughout the mission lifecycle (early-stage scoping through deorbit and recovery)
Plan and execute payload-level integration and test activities, including incoming inspection, functional checkouts, and environmental testing (vibration, EMI/EMC, TVAC), plus payload-specific verifications such as leak testing or pharmaceutical process testing
Coordinate with Vehicle I&T engineers to plan & execute full-vehicle test activities (e.g., payload installation, system compatibility & vehicle-in-the-loop mission scenario testing)
Identify, document, troubleshoot, and resolve technical issues that arise during integration and test activities
Work with mission operations engineers to define payload flight operations, command sequences, and operations procedures, and support on-console operations as needed to accomplish mission objectives
Drive lessons learned from each mission into interface documentation, payload accommodation guides, and integration processes

Benefits

Flexible PTO policy
12 paid holidays
100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents
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
Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic
Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents
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
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