Mechanisms Technician (Aerospace)

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. Varda’s W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses.

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.

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

About This Role

The Mechanisms Technician is responsible for the assembly, integration, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of mechanical systems and fluid handling devices mechanisms used in aerospace vehicles and equipment. This role supports engineering and production teams to ensure high reliability and performance of precision components in demanding environments, including fluid-based systems used in pharmaceutical applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Assemble, install, and integrate aerospace mechanical systems and mechanisms (e.g., actuators, hinges, deployment systems, gear assemblies).
• Assemble and support fluid handling devices and systems (e.g., valves, tubing assemblies, manifolds) used in pharmaceutical or controlled environments.
• Perform functional testing, calibration, and validation of mechanical components, subsystems and fluid devices.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical issues using schematics, technical drawings, and test data.
• Support environmental and performance testing (vibration, thermal, vacuum, etc.).
• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and work instructions.
• Maintain detailed records of builds, tests, and inspections and fluid system validations in compliance with aerospace standards.
• Collaboration with engineers to improve designs, manufacturability, reliability, and fluid system performance.
• Perform preventative maintenance and repairs on test equipment, mechanical systems, and fluid handling equipment .
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and quality standards (e.g., AS9100, ISO).
• Assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions for mechanical and fluid system failures or anomalies.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or technical certification in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Aerospace Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3-5+ years of hands-on experience with precision mechanical assembly, preferably in aerospace, satellite, or defense manufacturing.
• Experience with fluid handling systems, including tubing, fittings, pumps, or valves (pharma or similar industries preferred).
• Proficiency with precision tools, measurement instruments, and assembly techniques.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and schematics.
• Familiarity with mechanical systems such as gears, bearings, linkages, actuators adhesive bonding and component alignment.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to work in a high-precision environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, space systems, or pharmaceutical/biotech manufacturing.
• Knowledge of cleanroom procedures and contamination control.
• Experience with environmental testing (thermal, vibration, vacuum).
• Understanding of materials, tolerances, and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing).
• Experience working with electromechanical systems.

Key Skills

• Mechanical assembly and integration
• Precision measurement and inspection
• Troubleshooting and diagnostics
• Technical documentation
• Team collaboration
• Quality assurance and compliance

Work Environment

• May work in laboratories, manufacturing floors, or cleanroom environments.
• Requires use of PPE and adherence to strict safety and quality standards.

May involve standing for long periods and handling delicate or heavy components.

Pay Range

Technician I: $29.75 to $35 per hour

Technician II: $35 to $42 per hour

Sr. Technician: $43 to $52 per hour

• 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

Benefits

Consider your benefits covered for launch. At Varda, we invest in benefits and perks that support your health, financial well-being, and life beyond work. Benefits vary by position, with packages designed specifically for our regular full-time employees and interns.

Regular Full-Time Positions:

Health & Wellness

• Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays
• 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options
• Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance
• $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
• 12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)
• Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic
• Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents

Financial & Retirement

• Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up
• 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
• $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
• Relocation support for new hires, if needed

Workplace Experience & Perks

• Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
• Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
• Complimentary EV charging
  

Intern Positions:

Health & Wellness

• Paid observed holidays
• 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options
• $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
• Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents

Financial

• $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
• Up to $4,000 gross up in relocation support, if eligible