Spacecraft Technician (Propulsion and Harness Integration – Satellites)
Varda Space · El Segundo, California, United States ·
- Employment
- Internship
- Experience
- 3+ years
- Visa sponsorship
- No
- Company size
- 11-50
- Salary
- USD 29 – 45 / hour
About Varda
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. Varda’s W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses.
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 SpaceX, 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.
Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.
About This Role
Spacecraft Technician ( Propulsion and Harness Integration – Satellites ) is responsible for the assembly, installation, routing, integration, and verification of satellite propulsion systems and electrical harnesses. This role supports satellite bus and vehicle integration by working closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Test, and Production teams to ensure hardware is built safely, accurately, and on schedule.
The ideal candidate has hands-on experience working with flight hardware, mechanical assemblies, tubing, fittings, electrical harnesses, connectors, and cleanroom processes. This position requires strong attention to detail, the ability to follow work instructions, and a commitment to quality and safety.
Key Responsibilities
Propulsion Integration
- Install and integrate satellite propulsion components, including:
- Propulsion lines and tubing
- Manifolds
- Valves
- Regulators
- Thrusters
- Thrust Structures
- Tanks
- Brackets, mounts, and support hardware
- Fittings and fluid system components
- 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
- Accurately complete work orders, travelers, inspection records, and build documentation.
- Photo document sealing surfaces, seals, connector mating surfaces, pins and sockets.
- Photo document and communicate nonconforming conditions.
- 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
- 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.
Required Skills
- Mechanical assembly
- Harness routing and installation
- Torque application
- Connector handling
- Cleanroom discipline
- FOD control
- ESD awareness
- Work instruction compliance
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving
- Communication with Engineering and Quality
- Schedule accountability
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.
Success Criteria
A successful Propulsion and Harness Integration Technician will:
- Follow work instructions and drawings with minimal supervision.
- Complete builds safely, correctly, and on schedule.
- Maintain high standards for cleanliness, FOD control, and hardware handling.
- Communicate issues early before they impact schedule or quality.
- Support Engineering, Quality, and Test teams during integration and troubleshooting.
- Take ownership of workmanship, documentation, and final hardware quality.
Pay Range
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 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
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Benefits
Consider your benefits covered for launch. At Varda, we invest in benefits and perks that support your health, financial well-being, and life beyond work. Benefits vary by position, with packages designed specifically for our regular full-time employees and interns.
Regular Full-Time Positions:
Health & Wellness
- Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays
- 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options
- Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance
- $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
- 12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)
- Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic
- Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents
Financial & Retirement
- Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up
- 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
- $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
- Relocation support for new hires, if needed
Workplace Experience & Perks
- Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
- Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
- Complimentary EV charging
Intern Positions:
Health & Wellness
- Paid observed holidays
- 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options
- $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
- Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents
Financial
- $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
- Up to $4,000 gross up in relocation support, if eligible
- Up to $850 commute credit through Lyft or car rental reimbursement, if eligible
Workplace Experience & Perks
- Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
- Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
- Complimentary EV charging
ITAR Requirements
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. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our policy is to only hire “U.S. persons” who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license.
“US person” means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum).
E-Verify Statement
Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice
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Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.