Principal Mechanisms Engineer - Payloads
Core
Define and lead the development of complex electromechanical flight hardware for orbital payloads, hypersonic reentry, and return-to-Earth missions, guiding systems from concept through recovery.
Role type
Principal Mechanisms Engineer (Payload Systems)
Builds
Electromechanical flight hardware for pharmaceutical manufacturing and hypersonic reentry testbed missions
Domain
Aerospace / Space Infrastructure / Orbital Economy
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | research | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work
Required skills
electromechanical hardware design, system architecture definition, trade studies, FEA, cross-functional team leadership, requirements management, integration and testing, anomaly resolution, mentorship
Preferred skills
cross-functional project leadership, aerospace environmental testing planning (vibration, TVAC, EMI/EMC), government-facing technical program leadership
Technologies
Python, MATLAB, FEA tools
Responsibilities
Define architecture, requirements, and development plans for multi-payload or multi-mission systems; Lead complex mechanism and electromechanical subsystem design efforts; Drive system-level analyses, trade studies, and risk reduction; Lead cross-functional project teams across avionics, software, thermal, systems, integration; Represent Varda to senior internal leadership and external partners; Drive subsystem requirements, ICDs, verification plans, and documentation; Lead build, integration, testing, mission operations, recovery, and anomaly resolution; Guide lessons-learned processes and influence payload development cycles; Mentor senior and entry-level engineers and shape best practices
Seniority
Principal, hands-on IC with strategy & mentorship