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Mechanical Design & Test Engineer II, Automation Verified today

Varda Space · El Segundo, CA · Production · first seen 2026-10-20
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About Varda

Varda accelerates commercial space infrastructure: in-orbit pharmaceutical processing, reliable reentry capsules, and the complete spacecraft systems to operate them. Varda designs and builds W-Series vehicles in-house, including payloads, capsules, heat shields, and satellite buses.

The Role

You build bespoke test infrastructure that qualifies spaceflight hardware for orbit. You design, build, and own sophisticated ground support equipment (GSE) and test systems including propulsion test stands, environmental qualification chambers, spacecraft-level integration testing, and more. Our stack is modern: custom PLC framework and Beckhoff EtherCAT tooling built in-house.

Production-enabling equipment is priority one. You integrate mechanical, electrical, fluid, and instrumentation systems into cohesive test platforms. You implement solutions from concept through fabrication, assembly, commissioning, and ongoing support. You manage both rapid R&D test setups and long-term infrastructure improvements.

Responsibilities

  • Design, build, and maintain test systems and ground support equipment for flight hardware qualification and manufacturing, including data acquisition systems (Pelican DAQ, load cell DAQ, accelerometer DAQ), propulsion test stands, fill carts, thermal control systems (chillers, heaters, LN2), PLC cabinets, and gas/liquid systems (valves, transducers, solenoids, flowmeters).
  • Ensure test infrastructure achieves greater than 99% uptime and predictable performance.
  • Act as Responsible Engineer for test infrastructure including centrifuges, TVACs, propulsion test stands, propulsion fill carts, propulsion gas benches, propulsion 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 new engineers to ramp quickly on the tech stack and maintain production systems reliably. Document all systems thoroughly with clear procedures and schematics.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field.
  • 3+ years of industry experience in mechanical design or industrial automation.
  • Extensive experience using Solidworks, NX CAD, or comparable.
  • Experience with electrical wiring for cabinets, PLCs, harnesses, connectors, etc.
  • Experience with Altium or comparable electronic schematic design software (we are migrating to EPLAN).
  • Hands-on experience working 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 with industrial hardware over protocols such as EtherCAT, Modbus (TCP/RTU), RS-232/485 serial, or similar communication standards.
  • Experience with at least one modern PLC ecosystem, ideally Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 with structured text (IEC 61131-3), or demonstrated eagerness to develop deep expertise there.
  • Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment where priorities shift and end-to-end ownership of problems is expected.

Preferred Skills

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

Compensation

  • Salary: $119,543 to $152,749 per year.
  • Eligible for stock options and/or long-term cash awards.
  • Base salary determined by job-related skills, education level, experience, and job performance.

Location

Onsite in El Segundo, California.

ITAR Requirement

This role requires access to export-controlled items. You must be a U.S. person: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or individual admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.