Senior Vehicle Systems, Integration, & Test Engineer

About This Role

As a Senior Vehicle Systems, Integration, & Test Engineer, you will own the vehicle from integration through launch and improve the process along the way. This is not a support role - you will lead design trades, define the test campaign, execute tests on the floor, and command the vehicle once it is in orbit. The W-series vehicle, capsule and satellite bus, is built in-house and this role owns it end-to-end. Varda has completed five missions, with four launched in 2025 alone.

This role sits at the intersection of systems and I&T - design reviews the morning and testing on the floor in the afternoon. This role interfaces with all engineering departments and engineers must be able to drive conflicting requirements to implemented solutions.

Responsibilities

Own technical decisions to ensure vehicle success

Create and own the vehicle integration and test campaign to validate and verify vehicle flight readiness

Analyze and optimize system-level performance metrics, including but not limited to mass, delta-V, power, and data budgets. Make trade calls when subsystems have conflicting requirements

Direct and influence the vehicle design by leading system-level trades and design reviews to drive top-level vehicle design, functionality, and ultimately performance

Manage the technical outcome and milestone schedule to enable the delivery of vehicles on schedule

Own vehicle schematic and harness design by understanding and providing input to vehicle avionics, propulsion, and guidance systems

Evaluate vehicle change impacts and drive execution of vehicle-level change implementation

Utilize python to automate system testing and data review by building the tools the team depends on

Operate vehicles in space: execute procedures, determine vehicle health, and poll subsystems

Basic Qualifications

B.S. degree in engineering, physics, or related field and 5+ years of experience in systems, integration, and/or test on critical hardware programs

Experience as the decision maker on a test campaign – not simply supporting one

Teamwork, communication, and problem solving in a collaborative environment

Proven experience working on complex technical programs

Strong first principles thinking and technical breadth across relevant fields (electrical, mechanical, software, etc.)

Working knowledge of aerospace vehicle subsystems

Hands-on experience building aerospace vehicles

Must be physically able to regularly lift 25 lbs.

Must be comfortable bending, stooping, and standing

Hands-on position may require standing and working directly with hardware on the floor

Preferred Skills and Experience

Hands-on experience with GNC and propulsion sensors and actuators

Designed and owned vehicle-level design trades and/or test campaigns on a program that completed successfully

Deep knowledge of satellite systems engineering, including all satellite subsystems

Experience with project management of the full lifecycle of a project

Capability to solve complex problems autonomously as an individual or as a member of an integrated team

Experience with one or more general-purpose programming languages, such as C++ & Python

Experience with aerospace hardware development practices (e.g., qualification testing practices, design for typical space environments, cleanliness, etc.)

Prior work in a technical leadership role for a launch vehicle or satellite development effort

Experience supporting flight test or flying spacecraft

Experience in a production environment

Wiring schematic, harness design, and harness manufacturing experience

Unigraphics NX experience or similar CAD software

Pay Range

Salary Range: $140,333-$179,314/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