Spacecraft Technician (Propulsion and Harness Integration – Satellites)
Job Location:
El Segundo, CA - USA
Hourly Salary:
Posted on:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
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.
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 2550 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 to $33 per hour
Technician II: $34 to $39 per hour
Sr. Technician: $40 to $45 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
Benefits
Varda offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health financial wellbeing and a highquality workplace experience. Below is an overview of what fulltime employees receive(at this time interns receive a subset of benefits):
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
- Voluntaryaccident hospital critical illnessandpet insurance
- $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
- 12weeks ofparental leave(with supplemental disability leavefor CAmothers)
- Family building pregnancyparentingand menopausebenefitsvia Maven Clinic
- SponsoredOne Medicalmemberships for employees and their dependents
Financial & Retirement
- Substantial incentive equityin a fully funded space start-up
- 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
- $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
- Relocation supportfor new hires if needed
Workplace Experience & Perks
- Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
- Company and team-bonding events happyhoursand mission-success celebrations
- Complimentary EV charging
- Dog-friendly office space
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. At present some of our technology to which employees have access requires a license to be exported to individuals other than U.S. Persons as defined in U.S. export our employees are provided access to export-controlled items our currentpolicy 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 asylumin the U.S.)
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 theE-Verify program.
E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice
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.
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
Expanding the economic bounds of humankind with the world's first orbital manufacturing & reentry platform.
