Avionics Spacecraft Technician

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 Space

X, 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 offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL (coming soon).

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

The Avionics Harness Build and Test, and Integration Technician is responsible for the fabrication, assembly, testing, and integration of electrical harnesses. This role combines hands-on technical expertise in wiring, termination, routing, mechanical integration, and functional testing to ensure systems meet engineering requirements and program schedules.

Key Responsibilities:

• Harness Build & Test:
• · Fabricate and install complex wire harnesses and cable assemblies using engineering drawings, schematics, and work instructions.
• · Perform crimping, soldering, wire routing, shielding, and connector assembly to IPC/WHMA-A-620 and J-STD-001 standards.
• · Conduct continuity, insulation resistance (IR), and high-pot (Hi-Pot) testing using automated or manual test equipment.
• · Document test results, discrepancies, and corrective actions in accordance with quality assurance procedures.
• · Support full system-level integration of avionics subsystems into spacecraft, mock-ups, or test benches.
• · Work closely with engineers to troubleshoot and resolve integration issues.
• · Verify fit, form, and function of assemblies through installation and functional testing.
• · Support test readiness reviews, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) setups, and environmental testing when applicable.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree or technical certificate in Electronics, Mechatronics, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace or defense environments performing electrical harness build, assembly, or test.
• Proficient with electrical wiring diagrams, schematics, mechanical drawings, and bill of materials (BOMs).
• Familiarity with tools such as multimeters, continuity testers, torque wrenches, wire strippers, and soldering irons.
• Strong understanding of ESD, FOD, and safety protocols in aerospace manufacturing.
• Must be able to read and interpret technical documents and work orders with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications:

• IPC/WHMA-A-620 or J-STD-001 certification.
• Experience with NASA-STD-8739.4 or MIL-STD-8739 standards.
• Knowledge of aerospace platforms (e.g., satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, rotorcraft).
• Experience with PLM systems (e.g., Windchill, Teamcenter) and MES/shop floor systems.

Pay Range

• Technician I: $27 to $30 per hour
• Technician II: $32 to $36 per hour
• Sr. Technician: $39 to $43 per hour

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.

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…