Principal Mechanisms Engineer - Payloads

Responsibilities

• Define architecture, requirements, and development plans for multi-payload or multi-mission systems
• Lead complex mechanism and electromechanical subsystem design efforts
• Drive system-level analyses, trade studies, and risk reduction using tools such as hand calcs, Python/MATLAB, and FEA
• Lead cross-functional project teams across avionics, software, thermal, systems, and integration
• Drive subsystem requirements, ICDs, verification plans, and documentation
• Lead build, integration, testing, mission operations, recovery, and anomaly resolution
• Mentor senior and entry-level engineers and shape engineering best practices

Requirements

• BS/BEng in Mechanical, Aerospace, Mechatronics, or a related field
• 7+ years of experience designing, integrating, testing, and troubleshooting electromechanical hardware
• Deep mechanical expertise with breadth in at least two adjacent disciplines (e.g., avionics, software, thermal, optics, or test)
• Proven track record leading teams through full-cycle electromechanical space flight hardware development
• Experience communicating with diverse technical and executive audiences

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of cross-functional project leadership experience
• Significant experience planning and executing aerospace environmental testing (vibration, TVAC, EMI/EMC)
• Experience leading government-facing technical programs
• Active Secret or Top Secret clearance

Benefits

• Equity in a fully funded space startup with potential for significant growth
• 401(k) matching
• Unlimited PTO
• Health insurance, including Vision and Dental
• On-site lunch and snacks provided daily, with dinners provided twice a week
• Maternity and Paternity leave

About the Company

Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind by creating the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth.