Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) Engineer II

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 offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL (coming soon).

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

 

About This Role

This position within the vehicle thermal team will develop and optimize Thermal Protection Systems for current and next generation vehicles at Varda Space Industries to enable a routinely reusable design. You will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge, experience, and creativity towards novel solutions in spacecraft reentry systems. You will work on designing, testing and analyzing materials for Varda spacecraft to advance our orbital material processing and hypersonic testbed role in the space economy. The role primarily interfaces with design, aerodynamics, and integration engineers, providing the opportunity to continuously improve the production, design, and manufacturing. You will be a vital part of the team ensuring Varda vehicles are flying consistently at high cadence as we expand the economic bounds of humankind.

Responsibilities

• Own experiments, procedures, and tests on developmental components as well as managing existing technologies as a responsible engineer (RE).
• Design and develop thermal protection hardware based on performance and manufacturability.
• Manage and employ materials, chemical lab tools, and production equipment.
• Work with integration and test engineers to streamline production for scalability.
• Collaborate  daily with an interdisciplinary team of engineers and highly skilled technicians.
• Manage multiple priorities while meeting common organization milestones.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in materials science, mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline.
• 2-3 years of professional experience (0-1 years with an advanced degree) in Thermal Protection Systems engineering.
• Experience with the materials testing techniques and standards (ASTM, etc.).

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree (or PhD) in an engineering discipline.
• Experience working directly with an interdisciplinary team of engineers (analysis, design, integration, systems).
• Familiarity with hypersonic, spaceflight, or re-entry environments, including material degradation mechanisms and failure modes.
• Familiarity with the latest TPS state-of-the-art and system level design.
• Hands-on experience with TPS material, technologies and manufacturing.
• Experience working on spacecraft or launch vehicles.
• Experience in writing test plans and work order procedures.
• Experience working with CAD software and medium to large vehicle system CAD models.
• Experience with data acquisition and processing and modeling/simulation software.
• Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team environment and communicate efficiently with a wide range of people.

Pay Range

• Salary Range: $113,850-$148,000/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

 

ITAR Requirements

• Varda, like all emplo