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Spacecraft Technician (Propulsion and Harness Integration – Satellites) Verified today

Varda Space · El Segundo, CA · Propulsion · first seen 2026-07-16
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About Varda

Varda accelerates development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable reentry capsules. Our W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated in-house, including propulsion systems, heat shields, and satellite buses.

About This Role

You are responsible for assembly, installation, routing, integration, and verification of satellite propulsion systems and electrical harnesses. You will work closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Test, and Production teams to ensure hardware is built safely, accurately, and on schedule.

Propulsion Integration

  • Install and integrate satellite propulsion components: propulsion lines, tubing, manifolds, valves, regulators, thrusters, thrust structures, tanks, brackets, mounts, and fittings.
  • Perform mechanical assembly using approved drawings, work instructions, and specifications.
  • Torque fasteners and fittings to required values using calibrated tools.
  • Support leak checks, pressure checks, functional testing, and system verification.
  • Handle propulsion components in accordance with cleanliness and contamination-control requirements.
  • Identify and communicate hardware fit, form, function, or drawing issues to Engineering and Quality.
  • Support troubleshooting and rework activities as directed by Engineering and Manufacturing leadership.

Harness Integration

  • Route, install, and secure electrical harnesses on satellite structures and subassemblies.
  • Perform connector mating and demating using proper ESD and handling procedures.
  • Install clamps, tie-downs, lacing, strain relief, and harness support hardware.
  • Verify harness routing against drawings, schematics, and work instructions.
  • Support continuity, resistance, insulation resistance, and functional checks as required.
  • Ensure harnesses are protected from pinch points, sharp edges, thermal zones, and moving assemblies.
  • Maintain proper bend radius, service loops, connector orientation, and separation requirements.

Documentation and Quality

  • Complete work orders, travelers, inspection records, and build documentation accurately.
  • Photo document sealing surfaces, seals, connector mating surfaces, pins and sockets.
  • Record torque values, serial numbers, lot numbers, and nonconformances as required.
  • Follow released drawings, procedures, redlines, and configuration-control requirements.
  • Maintain traceability of flight hardware.

Cleanroom and Safety

  • Work in cleanroom environments following gowning, FOD, ESD, and contamination-control practices.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
  • Follow all safety requirements when working around pressurized systems, chemicals, tools, and flight hardware.
  • Support hazardous operations only when properly trained and authorized.
  • Use PPE and calibrated equipment as required.

Required Qualifications

  • High school diploma, GED, trade school certificate, or equivalent hands-on experience.
  • 3+ years of experience in aerospace, satellite, aircraft, automotive, defense, or high-reliability manufacturing.
  • Experience reading and following engineering drawings, work instructions, schematics, assembly procedures, and assembly specifications.
  • Hands-on experience with mechanical assembly and electrical harness installation.
  • Ability to use common hand tools, torque wrenches, calipers, multimeters, and inspection tools.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to work with flight or high-value hardware.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
  • Comfortable working in a cleanroom or controlled manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with satellite or spacecraft integration.
  • Experience with propulsion systems, fluid systems, tubing, fittings, and pressure systems.
  • Experience with harness routing, connector mating, crimping, soldering, or continuity testing.
  • Familiarity with ESD, FOD, and cleanroom protocols.
  • Experience supporting leak checks, pressure testing, or functional testing.
  • Knowledge of aerospace quality systems and nonconformance processes.
  • Experience with flight hardware traceability and configuration control.
  • IPC/WHMA-A-620 or J-STD-001 certification is a plus.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand, bend, reach, and work around satellite hardware for extended periods.
  • Ability to lift up to 25-50 lbs depending on company requirements.
  • Ability to work in cleanroom gowning.
  • Ability to use hand tools for extended periods.
  • Ability to work around delicate flight hardware and confined assembly areas.

Work Environment

This position is performed in a satellite manufacturing, integration, and test environment. Work may include cleanroom operations, production floor support, test support, and hands-on integration of flight hardware. Overtime, weekend support, or shift flexibility may be required to support production schedules and vehicle delivery milestones.

Compensation

  • Technician I: $29.75 to $35 per hour
  • Technician II: $35 to $42 per hour
  • Sr. Technician: $43 to $52 per hour
  • Leveling and base salary determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance.
  • Eligible for stock options and long-term cash awards.

ITAR Requirements

You must be a US person as defined by export control regulations. US person means: US citizen, US lawful permanent resident, or protected individual admitted to the US as a refugee or granted asylum.