Senior Environmental Test Engineer

The role

You will serve as the technical authority for vibration testing of spacecraft and space-qualified hardware. You will own vibration test procedures from design to execution and data analysis to ensure flight hardware meets mechanical requirements.

What you will do

• Own vibration test planning and execution for spacecraft and space-grade components
• Develop, review, and improve vibration test procedures and documentation
• Review engineering requirements, test matrices, and environmental specifications
• Evaluate or oversee the design of custom vibration test fixtures
• Serve as the primary interface between test operations and engineering groups
• Identify and resolve fixture-interface issues and schedule risks
• Oversee vibration test readiness reviews
• Lead on-floor vibration test operations
• Drive root cause analysis and RCCA for test anomalies or non-conformances
• Review and approve post-test data packages

Required qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience
• 3+ years of experience in environmental testing specifically vibration testing for spacecraft, launch vehicles, aerospace systems, or high-reliability hardware
• Strong understanding of how spacecraft subsystems respond to dynamic environments
• Experience authoring or executing environmental test procedures with emphasis on vibration or shock testing
• Ability to manage shifting priorities and make decisions during real-time test operations
• Exceptional communication skills
• Physically able to routinely move test fixtures or hardware up to 25 lbs., bend, stoop, and work around large test equipment

Nice to have

• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• Experience as a lead vibration test engineer on spacecraft, satellite, or launch vehicle hardware programs
• Familiarity with full environmental test flows including vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, and acoustic testing
• Background designing or validating flight hardware fixtures, test adapters, or dynamic qualification setups
• Experience maintaining configuration control, test record documentation, and traceability in a regulated aerospace environment
• Knowledge of cleanliness standards, contamination control, and hardware handling requirements
• Hands-on experience with large environmental test equipment
• Prior experience supporting manufacturing or test environments transitioning from prototype builds to production throughput

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)
• Varda 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.