Structures Engineer

About this Role

Varda is looking for a motivated Structures Engineer to join our team. In this role, you'll support the design, analysis, testing, and integration of structural components for our spaceflight systems and reentry vehicles. This is a great opportunity to grow your engineering skills while working alongside experienced engineers on real hardware in a fast-paced environment. You’ll contribute to projects that range from spacecraft structures to mechanical ground support equipment, while learning how to apply engineering fundamentals to solve complex, real-world problems.

This is a full-time, exempt position located at our El Segundo headquarters.

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.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline with 1+ years of experience in related applications (e.g., structures for automotive, aircraft, spacecraft, etc.).

Strong first principles thinking with an understanding of structural design, analysis, and test.

Ability to perform appropriate structural analyses to demonstrate that a structure design meets or exceeds requirements (e.g., Hand Calcs, Ansys, Femap, Nastran, etc.).

Familiarity with 3D CAD software (ideally NX).

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Eagerness to learn and work on hands-on hardware projects.

Excitement about making history at the forefront of both the space and pharmaceutical industries.

Preferred Skills and Experience

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

Experience with programming tools (Python, Matlab, etc.).

Comfortable with hands-on assembly, fabrication, and machining of metallic parts.

Familiarity with PLM software (ideally Teamcenter)

Pay Range

E1: $105,000 - $140,000 per year (1-1.5 years of exp)

E2: $120,000 - $153,000  per year (1-3 years of exp)

Sr. Engineer:  $140,000 - 180,000 per year (3-6 years of exp)

This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA

Leveling and base salary are 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