Senior Systems, Integration, and Test Engineer

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 As a Senior Systems, Integration & Test Engineer, you will own the vehicle from integration through launch and improve the process along the way. This is not a support role - you will lead design trades, define the test campaign, execute tests on the floor, and command the vehicle once it is in orbit. The W-series vehicle, capsule and satellite bus, is built in-house and this role owns it end-to-end. Varda has completed five missions, with four launched in 2025 alone. This role sits at the intersection of systems and I&T - design reviews the morning and testing on the floor in the afternoon. This role interfaces with all engineering departments and engineers must be able to drive conflicting requirements to implemented solutions.  Responsibilities Own technical decisions to ensure vehicle success Create and own the vehicle integration and test campaign to validate and verify vehicle flight readiness Analyze and optimize system-level performance metrics, including but not limited to mass, delta-V, power, and data budgets. Make trade calls when subsystems have conflicting requirements Direct and influence the vehicle design by leading system-level trades and design reviews to drive top-level vehicle design, functionality, and ultimately performance Manage the technical outcome and milestone schedule to enable the delivery of vehicles on schedule Own vehicle schematic and harness design by understanding and providing input to vehicle avionics, propulsion, and guidance systems Evaluate vehicle change impacts and drive execution of vehicle-level change implementation Utilize python to automate system testing and data review by building the tools the team depends on Operate vehicles in space: execute procedures, determine vehicle health, and poll subsystems Basic Qualifications B.S. degree in engineering, physics, or related field and 5+ years of experience in systems, integration, and/or test on critical hardware programs Experience as the decision maker on a test campaign – not simply supporting one Teamwork, communication, and problem solving in a collaborative environment  Proven experience working on complex technical programs Strong first principles thinking and technical breadth across relevant fields (electrical, mechanical, software, etc.)  Working knowledge of aerospace vehicle subsystems  Hands-on experience building aerospace vehicles  Must be physically able to regularly lift 25 lbs.   Must be comfortable bending, stooping, and standing  Hands-on position may require standing and working directly with hardware on the floor  Preferred Skills and Experience Hands-on experience with GNC and propulsion sensors and actuators Designed and owned vehicle-level design trades and/or test campaigns on a program that completed successfully Deep knowledge of satellite systems engineering, including all satellite subsystems  Experience with project management of the full lifecycle of a project  Capability to solve complex problems autonomously as an individual or as a member of an integrated team Experience with one or more general-purpose programming languages, such as C++ & Python Experience with aerospace hardware development practices (e.g., qualification testing practices, design for typical space environments, cleanliness, etc.)   Prior work in a technical leadership role for a launch vehicle or satellite development effort  Experience supporting flight test or flying spacecraft  Experience in a production environment  Wiring schematic, harness design, and harness manufacturing experience  Unigraphics NX experience or similar CAD software  Pay Range Salary Range: $140,000.00 - $180,000.00/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  Benefits Varda offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial well‑being, and a high‑quality workplace experience. Below is an overview of what full‑time 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 Vol