Payload Systems Integration and Test Engineer

About this Role

As a Payload Systems Integration and Test Engineer at Varda, you will own the end-to-end mission success for a diverse portfolio of payloads, including both internally designed payloads and hosted customer payloads. Example payloads may include inertial, RF, or optical sensors or communication systems, as well as various types of pharmaceutical processing equipment and instrumentation.

You will serve as the technical bridge between each payload and the Varda vehicle, defining interfaces, planning and executing integration and test campaigns, coordinating in-orbit operations, and ensuring safe recovery of payload data and hardware. When payloads require special accommodations or vehicle modifications, you will work across the vehicle engineering team to scope and implement these changes. 

This role is ideal for system-minded engineers with broad cross-disciplinary background, looking to do both concept synthesis as well as hands-on integration and test.

Responsibilities

• Act as responsible engineer for assigned payloads from initial scoping through post-flight data delivery, for both in-house pharma payloads and hosted customer payloads
• Work with payload providers to scope and define payload-to-vehicle interfaces, capture requirements in ICDs and coordinate any special accommodations or vehicle changes with related engineering disciplines
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for external payload customers throughout the mission lifecycle (early-stage scoping through deorbit and recovery)
• Plan and execute payload-level integration and test activities, including incoming inspection, functional checkouts, and environmental testing (vibration, EMI/EMC, TVAC), plus payload-specific verifications such as leak testing or pharmaceutical process testing
• Coordinate with Vehicle I&T engineers to plan & execute full-vehicle test activities (e.g., payload installation, system compatibility & vehicle-in-the-loop mission scenario testing)
• Identify, document, troubleshoot, and resolve technical issues that arise during integration and test activities
• Work with mission operations engineers to define payload flight operations, command sequences, and operations procedures, and support on-console operations as needed to accomplish mission objectives
• Drive lessons learned from each mission into interface documentation, payload accommodation guides, and integration processes

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Chemical, Systems Engineering, or other relevant field
• 2+ years of experience integrating and testing spacecraft, payloads, or comparably complex electro-mechanical hardware
• First-principles problem solving and broad system-level thinking
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable working hands-on in a cleanroom with critical flight hardware
  • Must be physically able to regularly lift 25 lbs
  • Must be comfortable bending, stooping, and standing while working directly with hardware on the floor

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience integrating hosted or customer-furnished payloads onto a spacecraft or launch vehicle
• Experience developing and managing interface control documents, requirements, and verification/validation plans
• Hands-on experience with aerospace environmental testing (vibration, TVAC, EMI/EMC) and familiarity with standards such as GSFC-STD-7000 and SMC-S-016
• Exposure to pharmaceutical, biotech, or other regulated-industry hardware and quality practices
• Working knowledge of export control regulations (ITAR/EAR) as applied to technical exchanges with external parties

Pay Range

• Salary range: $119,543 - $152,749/per year
• This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA
• 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