Principal Mechanisms Engineer - Payloads

About this Role

As a Principal Mechanisms Engineer on Varda’s Payload team, you will define and lead the development of complex electromechanical flight hardware that operates in orbit, endures hypersonic reentry, and returns to Earth for inspection and iteration. You will shape payload architecture across pharmaceutical manufacturing and hypersonic reentry testbed missions—guiding systems from early concept through detailed design, integration, testing, launch, and recovery. You’ll work closely with internal leadership and external partners, translating mission needs into engineering strategy and technical direction. This role is ideal for engineers with deep mechanical expertise and broad cross-disciplinary insight who want to influence system architecture, lead multi-mission efforts, and mentor engineers while delivering complex hardware on rapid flight timelines.

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 a variety of tools (hand calcs, python/matlab models, FEA, etc. as needed)

Lead cross-functional project teams across avionics, software, thermal, systems, integration

Represent Varda to senior internal leadership and external partners

Drive subsystem requirements, ICDs, verification plans, and documentation

Lead build, integration, testing, mission operations, recovery, and anomaly resolution

Guide lessons-learned processes and influence payload development cycles

Mentor senior and entry-level engineers and shape best practices

Basic Qualifications

BS/BEng in Mechanical, Aerospace, Mechatronics, or related field

7+ years of experience designing, integrating, testing, and troubleshooting electromechanical hardware

Deep mechanical expertise with breadth in at least two adjacent disciplines (avionics, software, thermal, optics, test, etc.)

Track record leading teams through full cycle electromechanical space flight hardware development

Experience communicating with diverse technical and executive audiences, both internal and external

Preferred Skills And Experience

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

Pay Range

Salary range: $181,913 - $232,444/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