Senior Environmental Test Engineer

Varda Space Industries•El Segundo, CA

2d•$140,000 - $170,000•Onsite

About The Position

Varda is hiring a Senior Environmental Test Engineer to serve as the technical authority for vibration testing of spacecraft and space-qualified hardware. The role defines test approaches, validates hardware readiness, and ensures qualification and acceptance campaigns are performed precisely and confidently. The engineer owns vibration test procedures from requirements review and fixture design through test-floor execution, data analysis, and documentation. Working across structures, manufacturing, systems engineering, and test operations, the role helps ensure flight hardware can withstand launch and spaceflight mechanical environments. The position is on-site in El Segundo, California. The salary range is $140,000–$170,000 per year. The role is eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards. Because the work provides access to export-controlled items, applicants must meet the stated U.S.-person eligibility requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience; the posting describes equivalent experience as typically 3–6+ years.
At least 3 years of environmental testing experience, specifically vibration testing, for spacecraft, launch vehicles, aerospace systems, or high-reliability hardware.
Strong understanding of how spacecraft subsystems respond to dynamic environments, including mechanical, electrical, fluid, and structural interfaces.
Experience authoring or executing environmental test procedures, especially for vibration or shock testing.
Ability to manage shifting priorities and make sound decisions during real-time test operations.
Exceptional communication skills and comfort coordinating across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Physical ability to routinely move test fixtures or hardware weighing up to 25 pounds, bend, stoop, and work around large test equipment.
Must qualify as a U.S. person permitted to access the employer’s export-controlled technology without an export license.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with relevant specialization in structures, dynamics, or test engineering.
Experience as a lead vibration test engineer on spacecraft, satellite, or launch vehicle hardware programs.
Familiarity with full environmental test flows, including vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, and acoustic testing.
Background designing or validating flight-hardware fixtures, test adapters, or dynamic qualification setups.
Experience maintaining configuration control, test records, and traceability in a regulated aerospace environment.
Knowledge of cleanliness standards, contamination control, and hardware handling requirements for precision mechanisms or propulsion components.
Hands-on experience with large environmental test equipment, including shaker tables, slip plates, head expanders, lifting hardware, and alignment tools.
Prior experience supporting manufacturing or test environments transitioning from prototype builds to production throughput.
Experience conducting test readiness reviews, fixture inspections, accelerometer placement reviews, and post-test functional checkouts.

Responsibilities

Own vibration test planning and execution for spacecraft and space-grade components, including qualification, acceptance, and development-level campaigns.
Develop, review, and improve vibration test procedures, work instructions, and supporting documentation.
Review engineering requirements, test matrices, and environmental specifications to ensure complete and accurate test coverage.
Evaluate, design, or oversee custom vibration test fixtures that meet structural stiffness, mass, and interface requirements.
Serve as the primary interface between test operations and engineering groups during environmental test activities.
Identify and resolve fixture-interface issues, test configuration conflicts, and schedule risks before hardware enters the test queue.
Oversee vibration test readiness reviews, confirming fixture integrity, hardware configuration, instrumentation, and test article safety.
Lead on-floor vibration test operations in accordance with procedures, safety standards, and configuration control.
Drive root cause analysis and corrective action for test anomalies or non-conformances, and coordinate MRB dispositions with responsible engineering teams.
Review and approve post-test data packages, including plots, accelerometer responses, workmanship checks, and final test reports.
Track environmental test metrics and implement improvements to increase test cadence.
Define tooling, handling, and support-equipment requirements for safe and efficient test operations.