Varda Space
Launch and Recovery Engineering Manager
$170K–$246K
El Segundo, California, United States · Manager · Full-time · Posted Sep 9, 2026
- Experience
- Typically 5–10+ years in systems, integration, and/or test.
- Education
- B.S. degree in engineering, physics, or related field; M.S. preferred.
- Visa sponsorship
- Must be a U.S. person authorized to work in the U.S.: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
About the job
Leads the team responsible for launch vehicle interfaces, launch provider deliverables, launch-site integration and testing, and capsule recovery operations for Varda missions.
What you'll do
- Define launch interface requirements and manage technical and regulatory deliverables under Launch Services Agreements.
- Lead launch-site integration and test activities and develop and execute capsule recovery plans and procedures.
- Build and manage the engineering team, coordinating work across engineering, mission operations, launch providers, and leadership.
What they ask for
- B.S. degree in engineering, physics, or a related field.
- Typically 5–10+ years of experience in systems, integration, and/or test.
- Experience in a people management or technical leadership role, with ability to lead, mentor, and develop engineers.
- Satellite systems engineering knowledge and thorough knowledge of launch vehicle mechanical and electrical interface specifications.
Nice to have
- M.S. degree in engineering, physics, or a related field.
- Active Top Secret/SCI eligible clearance.
Pay
USD 170,280 - 245,960 per year (base salary)
Tools
AFSPCMAN 91-710, C++, Python, Unigraphics NX
Model-written summary · the original posting is authoritative