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Salary: USD 140,333 - 179,314 / annual
Varda Space Industries is accelerating commercial space infrastructure development, building in-orbit pharmaceutical processing systems, reentry capsules, heat shields, and satellite buses entirely in-house. The company was founded in 2021 by veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, and major pharmaceutical companies, backed by top-tier investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, and Founders Fund.
As Senior Build Reliability Engineer, you will partner closely with design and manufacturing teams to scale production of spacecraft hardware while maintaining reliability and quality. You will flex across Build Reliability, Quality, Flight Reliability, and Mission Assurance functions. This is a hands-on, process-oriented role requiring collaborative work with engineers, technicians, shop supervisors, and quality inspectors.
Key Responsibilities:
- Partner with design engineering and manufacturing teams to create test, manufacturability, and inspection plans for all vehicle hardware
- Contain suspect or non-conforming product and provide guidance to quality inspectors, technicians, and supervisors
- Lead failure investigations in production, test, and operation; identify root causes and mitigate risks to improve design and process reliability
- Provide critical peer review of hardware during design reviews and acceptance/qualification test campaigns
- Perform failure modes and effects analyses (FMEA), build requirements compliance matrices, and ensure adequate test coverage and change management
- Own vehicle-level deliverables for regulatory bodies including requirements compliance, functional/flight hazard analyses, and verification evidence
- Support Mission Assurance's vehicle-level risk management and mitigation tracking
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical, manufacturing, mechanical, or material sciences engineering
- 5+ years professional experience in aerospace, design, quality, or related engineering role
- Hands-on hardware test, qualification, troubleshooting, or failure analysis experience
- Commitment to lean quality principles without compromising safety or reliability
- Demonstrated application of process controls in high-volume manufacturing, test, and quality environments
- Experience generating, processing, and analyzing test data and technical documentation
- Hands-on knowledge of CNC machining, additive manufacturing, casting, welding, fastening, or other special manufacturing processes
Note: ITAR requirements apply. Only U.S. persons (U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or individuals admitted as refugees/granted asylum) may be hired due to access to export-controlled items.
