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General Application (New Grad)

El Segundo, California, United States

About Varda

Low Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. 

From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind. 

Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital. 

Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has an office in Washington, D.C.  

Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.

 

About This Role 

 

We are seeking talented and enthusiastic New Graduate Engineers (Less than 2 years of professional experience) to join our team at Varda Space Industries. As a graduate engineer, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of exciting and challenging projects aimed at advancing our space technologies. You will work alongside experienced engineers and scientists to solve complex problems, develop new systems, and ensure the success of space manufacturing operations.

This position is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates with a passion for space exploration and technology. If you are eager to apply your engineering skills in a fast-paced, cutting-edge environment, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Please submit ONE application with your resume AND cover letter outlining the department you are most interested in and why your experience is applicable.

Incomplete applications will NOT be considered.

 

Responsibilities

 

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, test, and optimize space manufacturing systems for microgravity environments.
  • Support the development and analysis of engineering models, prototypes, and simulations.
  • Rapidly iterate on manufacturing processes and development testing in a fast paced environment across multiple phases of space projects.
  • Create and maintain engineering documentation, including reports, specifications, and drawings.
  • Work closely with senior engineers to improve processes, workflows, and system efficiency.
  • Serve as the responsible engineer for new and exciting engineering projects
  • Participate in team meetings, design reviews, and brainstorming sessions to improve product quality and innovation.

 

Basic Qualifications

 

  • Recent graduate (or expected graduate in 2024/ 2025) with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
  • Strong academic background with a solid understanding of engineering principles and methodologies.
  • Hands-on experience with engineering tools, software, and simulations (e.g., CAD, MATLAB, LabVIEW).
  • Familiarity with space technologies, spacecraft systems, or aerospace manufacturing processes is a plus.
  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with a passion for innovative thinking and hands-on work.
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment.
  • A passion for space exploration and a desire to make a meaningful impact in the space industry.

 

 

 

Preferred Skills And Experience 

  • Previous internship or co-op experience 
  • Previous experience on technical project teams (i.e. Rocket club, formula SAE, etc.) 
  • Mechanical Engineer: Familiarity with NX, GD&T, Thermal Desktop, Matlab/Simulink, Simscape, or other engineering programs  
  • Electrical Engineer: Familiarity with Altium, Matlab, Python, PCB design, Circuit Debugging, Oscilloscopes, Component Test Racks, Hardware-in-the-loop testing (HIL or HITL), wire harness design and building 
  • Material Science: Familiarity with process engineering, design-of-experience, experience running vacuum chambers, experience working in a clean room and/or glovebox environment 
  • Software Engineer: Familiarity with Microprocessors and/or FPGAs, C/C++, Python scripting experience, experience setting up CI pipelines and unit tests 

ITAR Requirements

  • Varda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.  Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. At present, some of our technology to which employees have access requires a license to be exported to individuals other than “U.S. Persons” as defined in U.S. export regulations. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our current policy is to only hire “U.S. persons” who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license. 

    “US person” means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum in the U.S.)

     Learn more about the ITAR here.  

Benefits

  • Exciting team of professionals at the top of their field working by your side
  • Working in El Segundo, CA - an awesome Southern California beach city with quick access to entertainment and outdoor activities
  • Equity in a fully funded space startup with potential for significant growth (interns excluded)
  • 401(k) matching (interns excluded)
  • Unlimited PTO (interns excluded)
  • Health insurance, including Vision and Dental
  • Lunch and snacks provided on site every day. Dinners provided twice a week. 
  • Maternity / Paternity leave (interns excluded)

 

Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.  Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance.  We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

 

 

E-Verify Statement

Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.

 

E-Verify Notice                                                               Right To Work Notice

Read more                                                                             Read more

 

 

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