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.

As a Spacecraft Technician, you will be responsible for the entire build process across Varda’s vehicle. At Varda, you will be empowered to improve manufacturing processes, own production facilities, and learn new skill sets to support full vehicle builds. A Spacecraft Technician will have experience in one or more of the following areas and be willing to learn others:
Metal Machining, Soldering & Harnessing, Structure Assembly, Propulsion Assembly, Vehicle Integration, and Testing. Technicians are the first and last line of defense in ensuring a successful build. Technicians taking responsibility for the quality of work performed is key.

Responsibilities

• Stage and assemble flight and test equipment according to technical work instructions across a satellite's complete build campaign
• Work directly with engineers to improve build processes
• Hands-on operation on sensitive hardware
• Execute electrical and pneumatic leak testing according to test plans
• Rig vehicles for lifting operations
• Use precision calibrated tools
• Operate basic metal machining tools
• Assemble and test wire harness assemblies
• Complete production floor maintenance and upkeep

Basic Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1+ years of experience working hands-on as a technician in aerospace or aviation sectors
• Teamwork, communication, and problem solving in a collaborative environment
• Basic computer skills

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Ability to read and execute work to engineering drawings and schematics
• Assembling and testing propulsion systems
• Assembling and testing electronic components
• Installing rivets, bolts, and HI-LITE fasteners
• Testing integrated complex systems such as satellites, planes, or rockets
• Experience with forklifts, cranes, and lift rigging
• Working in clean rooms with ESD sensitive components
• Knowledge of pressure, temperature, and load measurement devices
• Proficient with computers and MS Office
• FAA Airframe and Power Plant license

Additional Requirements

• Must be physically able to regularly lift 25 lbs.
• Must be comfortable bending, stooping, and standing
• Hands-on position requires standing for up to 6 hours a day and working directly with hardware on the floor

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 license to be exported to individuals other than “U.S. Persons”…