Senior Structures Engineer

Varda Space Industries•El Segundo, CA

11h•$140,000 - $180,000•Onsite

About The Position

Varda is seeking an experienced Senior Structures Engineer to join our team. In this position, you will be responsible for the design, analysis, build and test of primary and secondary structures for Varda's new spaceflight structures and reentry vehicles. We are looking for engineers who thrive on solving complex problems, can operate effectively in a fast-paced environment, and share our passion for advancing in-space industry. The structures team supports a diverse range of projects and responsibilities -- this includes the design and development of spaceflight structures, mechanical ground support equipment (MGSE), and basic spacecraft mechanisms, as well as the mechanical needs of other teams across the company. This is a full-time, exempt position located at our El Segundo headquarters.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline with 5+ years of experience in related applications (e.g., structures for automotive, aircraft, spacecraft, etc.).
Strong first principles thinking with a deep understanding of structural design, analysis, and testing.
Ability to perform appropriate structural analyses to demonstrate that a structure design meets or exceeds requirements (e.g., Hand Calcs, Ansys, Femap, Nastran, etc.).
Excellent 3D CAD skills (ideally NX) and experience translating models to production intent (detailed drawings, work instructions, etc.).
Experience working with revision-controlled documentation in a PLM system (Teamcenter preferred).
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an aptitude for interdisciplinary technical communication.
Basic technical breadth across other disciplines (avionics, software, GNC, etc.).
Excitement about making history at the forefront of both the space and pharmaceutical industries.

Nice To Haves

Experience with aerospace hardware development practices, from concept to delivery (e.g., qualification testing practices, design for typical space environments, cleanliness, etc.).
Direct experience with spaceflight vehicles, especially reentry vehicles, and the associated technical challenges therein.
Experience with programming tools (Python, Matlab, etc.).
Comfortable with hands-on assembly, fabrication, and machining of metallic parts.
Experience designing and analyzing spacecraft heatshields

Responsibilities

Derive hardware requirements and perform initial design trades given open-ended problem statements and stakeholder input.
Evaluate the impact of hardware design decisions on packaging, thermal, environmental, and loads to ensure the best system-level solution.
Own all aspects of hardware delivery, both technical and administrative.
Use hand calculations, finite element analyses, and computer-aided designs (CAD) to ensure all hardware meets or exceeds requirements.
Design and execute development and qualification testing.
Develop tooling to support hardware integration and testing.
Technical mentorship of junior engineers.

Benefits

Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays
100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with 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 (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)
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