Spacecraft Technician (Propulsion and Harness Integration – Satellites)

The role

This person will perform assembly, installation, routing, integration, and verification of satellite propulsion systems and electrical harnesses. They will work in a satellite manufacturing, integration, and test environment.

What you will do

• Install and integrate satellite propulsion components including lines, tubing, manifolds, valves, regulators, thrusters, tanks, and fittings.
• 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.
• Route, install, and secure electrical harnesses on satellite structures and subassemblies.
• Perform connector mating and demating using proper ESD and handling procedures.
• Verify harness routing against drawings, schematics, and work instructions.
• Complete work orders, travelers, inspection records, and build documentation.
• Photo document sealing surfaces, connector mating surfaces, pins, and sockets.
• Work in cleanroom environments following gowning, FOD, ESD, and contamination-control practices.

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, and 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.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Comfortable working in a cleanroom or controlled manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stand, bend, reach, and work around satellite hardware for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25–50 lbs.
• Ability to work in cleanroom gowning.
• Ability to use hand tools for extended periods.

Nice to have

• 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

Benefits

• Stock options
• Long-term cash awards

Before you apply

• Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) to access export-controlled items.
• Participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program.

About the company

Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. The company is headquartered in El Segundo, California.