layiq

/la·yiq/adjective

worthy; deserving; fitting; suitable.

A role, opportunity, or path that merits attention, time, and pursuit.

LAYIQ - Senior Environmental Test Engineer at Varda Space Industries

Own vibration test planning and execution for spacecraft and space-grade components, including qualification, acceptance, and development-level campaigns
Develop, review, and continuously improve vibration test procedures, work instructions, and supporting documentation
Review engineering requirements, test matrices, and environmental specifications to ensure test coverage is accurate and complete
Evaluate, design, or oversee the design of custom vibration test fixtures, ensuring they meet structural stiffness, mass, and interface requirements
Serve as the primary interface between test operations and engineering groups (structures, systems, avionics, manufacturing) during environmental test activities
Identify and resolve fixture-interface issues, test configuration conflicts, and schedule risks prior to hardware entering the test queue
Oversee vibration test readiness reviews, confirming fixture integrity, hardware configuration, instrumentation, and test article safety
Lead on-floor vibration test operations, ensuring execution adheres strictly to procedure, safety standards, and configuration control
Drive root cause analysis and RCCA for test anomalies or non-conformances; disposition MRBs in coordination with responsible engineering teams
Review and approve post-test data packages, including plots, accelerometer responses, workmanship checks, and final test reports
Track environmental test metrics (cycle time, NCR rate, fixture availability, hardware throughput) and implement improvements to increase test cadence
Define tooling, handling, and support equipment requirements to enable safe and efficient test operations
Basic Qualifications
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience (typically 3–6+ years) 3+ years of experience in environmental testing — specifically vibration testing — for spacecraft, launch vehicles, aerospace systems, or high-reliability hardware
Strong understanding of how spacecraft subsystems respond to dynamic environments (mechanical, electrical, fluid, and structural interfaces)
Experience authoring or executing environmental test procedures, with emphasis on vibration or shock testing
Ability to manage shifting priorities and make sound decisions during real-time test operations
Exceptional communication skills and comfort coordinating across multi-discipline engineering teams
Must be physically able to routinely move test fixtures or hardware up to 25 lbs., bend, stoop, and work around large test equipment
Preferred Skills and Experience
M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field with relevant specialization (structures, dynamics, test engineering)
Experience as a lead vibration test engineer on spacecraft, satellite, or launch vehicle hardware programs
Familiarity with full environmental test flows, including vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, and acoustic testing
Background designing or validating flight hardware fixtures, test adapters, or dynamic qualification setups
Experience maintaining configuration control, test record documentation, and traceability in a regulated aerospace environment
Knowledge of cleanliness standards, contamination control, and hardware handling requirements for precision mechanisms or propulsion components
Hands-on experience with large environmental test equipment — shaker tables, slip plates, head expanders, lifting hardware, and alignment tools
Prior experience supporting manufacturing or test environments transitioning from prototype builds to production throughput
Experience conducting test readiness reviews, fixture inspections, accelerometer placement reviews, and post-test functional checkouts

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
Up to $850 commute credit through Lyft or car rental reimbursement, if eligible
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
ITAR Requirements
Varda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our policy is to only hire “U.S. persons” who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license.
“US person” means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum).
E-Verify Statement
Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice
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Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

Senior Environmental Test Engineer

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