Structures Engineering Manager

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. 

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 an office in Washington, D.C.  

Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.

 

About this Role 

We are seeking a highly talented, self-motivated technical leader to join our rapidly growing startup as the Manager of Structures Engineering, you will be responsible for leading a highly skilled team of structures engineers in the clean sheet design and development of new spaceflight structures and reentry vehicles as well as improving on existing vehicle designs. In this role, you will oversee a wide array of mechanical systems, including: primary structure, secondary structures, mechanisms, avionics mechanical, mechanical ground support equipment (MGSE), and parachute systems. You will lead the team through the entire design cycle, from design and build, to test and fly, all the while setting the standard for quality, rigor and pace of execution. We are looking for engineers who enjoy solving complex and open-ended problems, can work effectively in a fast-paced environment, and share our passion in creating in-space industry.

This is a full-time, exempt position located in our El Segundo headquarters.

Responsibilities

• Lead the structures team, establishing clear objectives and priorities, in alignment with Varda's mission and company directives.
• Technical leadership of a team of responsible engineers, overseeing the design, analysis, manufacturing test, and flight of Varda's spacecraft mechanical systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure hardware cohesively satisfies all system requirements beyond just structural.
• Develop, set, and uphold the standard for best practices, to enable the team to execute at the highest standard of design reliability, ensuring robust hardware designs.
• Own, drive, and clearly communicate critical project technical and programmatic decisions to ensure overall project and program success.
• Management and mentorship of the structures engineering team development priorities, hiring, and career development or growth for the team. 

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in an engineering role directly working on aerospace structures.
• Demonstrated knowledge in designing, building, testing, and flying aerospace mechanical systems.
• Proven track record managing a team of engineers around complex technical programs, preferably within aerospace or related industries.
• Strong first principles thinking with a deep understanding of structural design, analysis, and/or test
• Basic technical breadth across other disciplines (avionics, software, GNC, etc.).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Strong management and leadership experience with the ability to inspire a diverse team to rally around a common cause.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, enabling effective collaboration amongst team members, cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to make critical decisions and act as a tie-breaking authority in complex technical scenarios.
• Direct experience with spaceflight vehicles, especially reentry vehicles, and the associated technical challenges therein.
• Prior work in a fast-pac