Mechanisms Technician (Aerospace)
El Segundo, CA - USA
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
The Mechanisms Technician is responsible for the assembly integration testing troubleshooting and maintenance of mechanical systems and fluid handling devices mechanisms used in aerospace vehicles and equipment. This role supports engineering and production teams to ensure high reliability and performance of precision components in demanding environments including fluid-based systems used in pharmaceutical applications.
Key Responsibilities
- Assemble install and integrate aerospace mechanical systems and mechanisms (e.g. actuators hinges deployment systems gear assemblies).
- Assemble and support fluid handling devices and systems (e.g. valves tubing assemblies manifolds) used in pharmaceutical or controlled environments.
- Perform functional testing calibration and validation of mechanical components subsystems and fluid devices.
- Troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical issues using schematics technical drawings and test data.
- Support environmental and performance testing (vibration thermal vacuum etc.).
- Interpret engineering drawings CAD models and work instructions.
- Maintain detailed records of builds tests and inspections and fluid system validations in compliance with aerospace standards.
- Collaboration with engineers to improve designs manufacturability reliability and fluid system performance.
- Perform preventative maintenance and repairs on test equipment mechanical systems and fluid handling equipment .
- Ensure adherence to safety protocols and quality standards (e.g. AS9100 ISO).
- Assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions for mechanical and fluid system failures or anomalies.
Required Qualifications
- Associates degree or technical certification in Mechanical Engineering Technology Aerospace Technology or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 3-5 years of hands-on experience with precision mechanical assembly preferably in aerospace satellite or defense manufacturing.
- Experience with fluid handling systems including tubing fittings pumps or valves (pharma or similar industries preferred).
- Proficiency with precision tools measurement instruments and assembly techniques.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and schematics.
- Familiarity with mechanical systems such as gears bearings linkages actuators adhesive bonding and component alignment.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Attention to detail and ability to work in a high-precision environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in aerospace space systems or pharmaceutical/biotech manufacturing.
- Knowledge of cleanroom procedures and contamination control.
- Experience with environmental testing (thermal vibration vacuum).
- Understanding of materials tolerances and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing).
- Experience working with electromechanical systems.
Key Skills
- Mechanical assembly and integration
- Precision measurement and inspection
- Troubleshooting and diagnostics
- Technical documentation
- Team collaboration
- Quality assurance and compliance
Work Environment
- May work in laboratories manufacturing floors or cleanroom environments.
- Requires use of PPE and adherence to strict safety and quality standards.
May involve standing for long periods and handling delicate or heavy components.
Pay Range
Technician I: $27 to $30 per hour
Technician II: $32 to $36 per hour
Sr. Technician: $39 to $43 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
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 regulations. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items our current 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 in the U.S.)
Learn more about the ITAR here.
Benefits
- Exciting team of professionals at the top of their field working by your side
- Equity in a fully funded space startup with potential for significant growth (interns excluded)
- 401(k) matching (interns excluded)
- Unlimited PTO (interns excluded)
- Health insurance including Vision and Dental
- Lunch and snacks provided on site every day. Dinners provided twice a week.
- Maternity / Paternity leave (interns excluded)
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.
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-Verifyprogram.
E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
Expanding the economic bounds of humankind with the world's first orbital manufacturing & reentry platform.