Structures Engineer at Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA

Summary: Varda Space Industries is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure. They are seeking a Structures Engineer to support the design, analysis, testing, and integration of structural components for spaceflight systems and reentry vehicles. Responsibilities: - Derive hardware requirements and perform initial design trades given open-ended problem statements and stakeholder input - Evaluate the impact of hardware design decisions on packaging, thermal, environmental, and loads to ensure the best system-level solution - Own all aspects of hardware delivery, both technical and administrative - Use hand calculations, finite element analyses, and computer-aided designs (CAD) to ensure all hardware meets or exceeds requirements - Design and execute development and qualification testing - Develop tooling to support hardware integration and testing Required Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline with 1+ years of experience in related applications (e.g., structures for automotive, aircraft, spacecraft, etc.) - Strong first principles thinking with an understanding of structural design, analysis, and test - Ability to perform appropriate structural analyses to demonstrate that a structure design meets or exceeds requirements (e.g., Hand Calcs, Ansys, Femap, Nastran, etc.) - Familiarity with 3D CAD software (ideally NX) - Excellent written and verbal communication skills - Eagerness to learn and work on hands-on hardware projects - Excitement about making history at the forefront of both the space and pharmaceutical industries Preferred Qualifications: - Experience with aerospace hardware development practices, from concept to delivery (e.g., qualification testing practices, design for typical space environments, cleanliness, etc.) - Experience with programming tools (Python, Matlab, etc.) - Comfortable with hands-on assembly, fabrication, and machining of metallic parts - Familiarity with PLM software (ideally Teamcenter) Required Skills: Structural design, Finite element analysis, 3D CAD software Important Skills: Aerospace hardware development, Programming tools Nice-to-Have Skills: Eagerness to learn, Hands-on assembly Benefits: 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)