Mechanical Design and Test Engineer II, Automation Verified today

About Varda

Varda accelerates commercial space infrastructure development, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable reentry capsules. Varda's W-Series vehicles are designed, built, and operated in-house, including pharmaceutical processing payloads, capsules, heat shields, and satellite buses. The company is headquartered in El Segundo, California, with offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.

The Role

The Mechanical Design and Test Engineer II, Automation builds bespoke test infrastructure that qualifies spaceflight hardware for orbit. You'll design, build, and own sophisticated ground support equipment (GSE) and test systems using modern tooling including a custom PLC framework and Beckhoff EtherCAT built in-house.

Your focus is production-enabling equipment. You'll integrate mechanical, electrical, fluid, and instrumentation systems into cohesive test platforms, moving solutions from concept through fabrication, assembly, commissioning, and ongoing support. You'll manage both rapid R and D test setups and long-term test infrastructure improvements.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain test systems and GSE for flight hardware qualification and manufacturing operations including data acquisition systems, thermal control systems, PLC cabinets, and gas/liquid systems
• Achieve and maintain greater than 99 percent uptime and predictable performance across all test infrastructure
• Serve as Responsible Engineer for test infrastructure including centrifuges, TVACs, propulsion test stands, fill carts, gas benches, water flow stands, and torch test stands
• Build cabinets, wire panels, and own systems end-to-end from electrical design through commissioning
• Partner with propulsion, avionics, GNC, and manufacturing teams to deliver test infrastructure on aggressive timelines
• Read, deploy, and make minor edits to Varda's internal PLC framework and EtherCAT tooling to support evolving program needs
• Champion sustainable engineering practices that enable rapid ramp and reliable system maintenance, including thorough documentation and clear procedures

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field
• 3 or more years of industry experience in mechanical design or industrial automation
• Extensive experience with Solidworks, NX CAD, or comparable software
• Experience with electrical wiring for cabinets, PLCs, harnesses, connectors
• Experience with Altium or comparable electronic schematic design software
• Hands-on experience with high-pressure gas or fluid systems
• Environmental test experience including TVAC, thermal cycling, and vibration testing
• Experience developing propulsion test stands or other complex, multi-subsystem test infrastructure
• Hands-on experience integrating industrial hardware over protocols such as EtherCAT, Modbus (TCP/RTU), or RS-232/485 serial
• Experience with at least one modern PLC ecosystem, ideally Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 with structured text (IEC 61131-3)
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment where priorities shift and end-to-end ownership is expected

Preferred Skills

• Aerospace experience, particularly in spacecraft testing or GSE development
• Familiarity with spacecraft qualification standards and documentation requirements
• Experience developing safety-related control systems and evaluating solutions for reducing safety-related risks
• Programming experience in low-level firmware or high-level Python

Compensation and Location

Salary range: $119,543 to $152,749 per year. This role is on-site in El Segundo, California. Compensation is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience, and job performance. You'll be eligible for stock options and/or long-term cash awards.

Benefits

Regular full-time employees receive comprehensive benefits including flexible PTO plus 12 paid holidays, 100 percent company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance with FSA and employer-matched HSA options, $120 monthly wellness reimbursement, 12 weeks of parental leave, 401(k) with 6 percent immediate employer match, $20 per pay period cell phone reimbursement, relocation support, daily lunch and twice-weekly dinner, and complimentary EV charging.

ITAR Requirements

This role requires access to export-controlled items. Varda only hires U.S. persons, defined as U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, or individuals admitted as refugees or granted asylum. Varda participates in E-Verify employment eligibility verification.