Astrodynamics Engineer

About VardaUnlocking the potential of Low Earth Orbit. At Varda, we are at the forefront of developing commercial space infrastructure, ranging from in-orbit pharmaceutical production to cost-effective reentry capsules.Our vision encompasses innovative products, such as life-saving pharmaceuticals and advanced fiber optics, which can only be manufactured in the unique environment of space. We are dedicated to fostering innovation in the orbital economy, creating essential products and infrastructure that allow space to directly enhance life on Earth. Our mission is to extend the economic frontiers of humanity.Our exceptional team is equipped to achieve this ambitious goal, comprising industry veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies, and Silicon Valley. Founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov, Varda enjoys robust support from elite investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.Headquartered in El Segundo, California, we have established offices and a production facility for building, integrating, and testing our vehicles, equipment, and materials. Additional offices are located in Washington, DC, and Huntsville, AL.Join us at Varda and contribute to the thriving ecosystem of space!About This RoleWe are on the lookout for a highly skilled and self-driven Astrodynamics Engineer (also known as mission design, trajectory design, or flight dynamics) to become part of our dynamic startup. Within the Autonomous Systems team, you will take on a technical leadership role, responsible for creating, designing, and implementing comprehensive mission planning and orbital mechanics profiles for next-generation reentry vehicles, paving the way for the future of space manufacturing.

About VardaLow Earth orbit is now a thriving business frontier. Varda is at the forefront of developing commercial space infrastructure, ranging from in-space pharmaceutical production to dependable and cost-effective reentry capsules.With applications from life-saving medications to enhanced fiber optics, numerous products used on Earth today can only be produced in space. Varda is driving innovation within the orbital economy by establishing both the necessary products and the infrastructure required for space to directly improve life on Earth. Our mission is to broaden the economic horizons of humanity.Our team is exceptionally qualified to achieve this vision, featuring leadership and personnel who bring experience from SpaceX, Blue Origin, prominent pharmaceutical firms, and Silicon Valley. Founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov, Varda has garnered significant support from renowned investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.Varda's headquarters are situated in El Segundo, California, where we operate offices and a manufacturing facility dedicated to building, integrating, and testing our vehicles, equipment, and materials. We also maintain offices in Washington, D.C., and Huntsville, AL.Join Varda and contribute to the creation of a dynamic in-space ecosystem.

Join VardaSpace as a Structures Engineer, where you will be at the forefront of innovative aerospace engineering solutions. You will work on the design, analysis, and testing of structural components for our cutting-edge spacecraft, contributing to projects that aim to revolutionize the space industry.

About Varda Space Industries Low Earth orbit is open for business. Varda Space Industries develops commercial space infrastructure, with a focus on in-orbit pharmaceutical manufacturing and affordable reentry capsules. Space offers unique opportunities, from producing life-saving medicines to creating advanced fiber optics that can only be made in orbit. Varda’s mission is to build the products and infrastructure that connect space innovation directly to life on Earth, expanding economic possibilities for humanity. The team brings experience from SpaceX, Blue Origin, top pharmaceutical companies, and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov, and is backed by investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital. Headquartered in El Segundo, California, Varda operates a production facility for developing, integrating, and testing vehicles, equipment, and materials. Additional offices are located in Washington, DC, and Huntsville, Alabama. Varda is building the foundation for a thriving in-space ecosystem.

Senior Manufacturing EngineerJoin Radiant Industries as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, where you will collaborate with design engineers to revolutionize the production of intricate mechanisms and structures essential to our innovative microreactor technology. Your role will be critical in ensuring the reliability, safety, quality, and timely delivery of the Kaleidos demonstration unit, set for testing at the Idaho National Lab in 2026—marking the first new reactor design in over 50 years.Key Responsibilities:Oversee the manufacturing and inspection processes of vital components and assemblies within the Kaleidos microreactor.Collaborate with design engineers to create innovative production methods for complex mechanisms and structures.Develop, validate, and optimize manufacturing processes to fulfill all design and business requirements, including safety, quality, efficiency, and delivery timelines.Formulate and implement manufacturing specifications and fabrication instructions.Manage the manufacturing bill of materials (mBOM) for components and assemblies.Identify, evaluate, and establish partnerships with suppliers for component sourcing and fabrication.Identify, plan, and execute upgrades to capital equipment, machinery, and layout to adapt to evolving production needs.Lead initiatives that promote continuous improvements in manufacturing processes and product quality.

Role OverviewRadiant Industries is on the lookout for a skilled Loads & Dynamics Engineer to lead and conduct structural loads, vibration, and dynamic analyses for intricate mechanical systems associated with Kaleidos, the world's first portable microreactor and its supporting hardware. In this pivotal role, you will ensure the structural integrity and durability throughout the product lifecycle, covering all aspects from manufacturing to deployment and operational environments.This position requires a proactive engineer who thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous settings and collaborates effectively with teams in structures, mechanical design, thermal, nuclear, and testing disciplines.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and manage static, dynamic, and transient load analysis for reactor systems, support structures, and transport configurations.Conduct structural dynamics analyses, including modal, random vibration, shock, sine vibration, and fatigue assessments.Implement explicit dynamics simulations to model nonlinear reactor responses during transient seismic and transportation events.Define and analyze transportation and handling environments, addressing shock and vibration from road, rail, air, or sea transport.Generate load cases and environments to support structural sizing, design margins, and verification plans.Conduct finite element analyses (FEA) using tools such as ANSYS and Abaqus.Work collaboratively with design engineers to influence hardware architecture, material selection, and joint design.Assist in test planning and correlation, including shaker tests, modal surveys, and structural verification testing.Create and maintain analysis documentation, reports, and requirements for internal reviews and regulatory interfaces.Contribute to failure investigations, root cause analyses, and design enhancements.Help establish best practices for loads, dynamics, and structural verification within a growing engineering organization.

Join CX2, a pioneering defense technology firm dedicated to achieving spectrum superiority for the United States and its allies. Our cutting-edge, AI-integrated hardware and software solutions are designed to detect, disrupt, and safeguard the electromagnetic spectrum across land, air, sea, and space.We are currently on the lookout for a proactive Hardware Test Engineer to spearhead the development and execution of testing protocols for our hardware products in a dynamic manufacturing setting. In this role, you will be instrumental in validating product performance, reliability, and compliance by designing test procedures, fixtures, and automated testing systems. This position will support both new product introductions (NPI) and high-volume production efforts at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.

Role overview Radiant Industries is hiring a Principal Turbomachinery Engineer to act as the Responsible Engineer for advanced turbomachinery within a nuclear-driven power generation system. The focus is on the mechanical design, reliability, and performance of the main rotating assembly in a 1MW closed-loop Brayton cycle. This position requires deep technical ownership of complex, high-speed rotating equipment. What you will do Lead the mechanical architecture for high-speed rotating equipment that operates under extreme temperatures, pressures, and rotational speeds. Guide technical work in rotor dynamics, structural integrity, bearings, seals, and system integration. Collaborate with electrical, thermal, and manufacturing teams to ensure integration across disciplines. Maintain end-to-end responsibility from concept through production, emphasizing technical rigor and sound engineering judgment. Requirements Extensive experience designing and analyzing turbomachinery, with a focus on high-speed rotating hardware. Strong knowledge of rotor dynamics, structural assessment, bearing and seal selection, and system-level integration. Hands-on approach with a track record of delivering production-ready hardware. Ability to work effectively with specialists in electrical, thermal, and manufacturing engineering. Location This position is based in El Segundo, CA.

Join cx2 as an FPGA Engineer, where you will design, develop, and implement advanced FPGA solutions for cutting-edge applications. You will collaborate with a dynamic team of engineers and contribute to innovative projects that push the boundaries of technology.

Join VardaSpace as a Senior Structures Engineer and be at the forefront of innovative aerospace solutions. In this pivotal role, you will lead the design and analysis of structural components for space vehicles, ensuring safety and performance in the demanding environment of space. You will collaborate with a passionate team of engineers and contribute to groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of technology.

About VardaPioneering the Future of Low Earth Orbit. Varda is at the forefront of developing commercial space infrastructure, ranging from in-orbit pharmaceutical production to efficient and cost-effective reentry capsules.Our innovations include a variety of products, from life-saving pharmaceuticals to advanced fiber optics, all of which can only be developed in space. Varda is committed to driving progress in the orbital economy by establishing the necessary products and infrastructure to ensure that space can directly enhance life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic horizons of humanity.Our exceptional team is composed of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, and major pharmaceutical firms, along with experts from Silicon Valley. Founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov, Varda has garnered significant support from prestigious investors, including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.Headquartered in El Segundo, California, we operate a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are designed, integrated, and tested. Additionally, we have offices in Washington, DC, and Huntsville, AL.Join Varda and contribute to building a thriving ecosystem in space.About This RoleThe Thermal Engineer will be responsible for conducting thermal analysis and ensuring optimal thermal performance of our spacecraft systems.

Join Picogrid as a Chief Hardware Engineer, where you'll lead the development of cutting-edge hardware solutions. You will be responsible for overseeing the design, prototyping, and testing of innovative hardware products, ensuring they meet both performance and quality standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring your vision to life while driving strategic initiatives that enhance our technology offerings.

Join Our Team as a Reactor Operations EngineerRadiant Industries is on the lookout for a skilled Reactor Operations Engineer to develop and implement essential procedures for our innovative nuclear microreactor technology. This position presents an extraordinary chance to merge engineering, operations, and human factors in a highly technical and regulated setting. You will work alongside a diverse team to transform intricate hardware and software designs into clear, actionable procedures that comply with DOE and NRC standards. Your efforts will empower Reactor Operators (ROs) and Senior Reactor Operators (SROs) to efficiently and safely conduct testing, commissioning, and operational activities.This role transcends traditional systems engineering; you'll also gain practical experience as a Reactor Operator (RO), directly shaping the development of operational software, procedures, and digital twin simulations. Your contributions will play a vital role in enhancing operator efficiency, safety, and the real-world execution of our state-of-the-art microreactors.

At Sift, we are transforming the way modern machines are designed, tested, and operated. Our cutting-edge platform offers engineers real-time observability over high-frequency telemetry, effectively removing bottlenecks and facilitating faster, more reliable development.Sift originated from our efforts at SpaceX, where we worked on projects like Dragon, Falcon, Starlink, and Starship. These experiences highlighted the necessity for scalable telemetry, robust debugging of flight systems, and unwavering mission reliability, leading to the creation of innovative infrastructure. Founded by a team with backgrounds from SpaceX, Google, and Palantir, Sift is tailored for mission-critical systems where precision and scalability are paramount.As an early engineer at Sift, your role will extend beyond mere code writing; you'll be instrumental in defining architecture, shaping product development, and influencing a culture dedicated to addressing genuine engineering challenges. If you are eager to tackle complex technical problems and contribute to foundational systems that support intricate machines from the ground up, we encourage you to apply.In This Role, You'll:Design, develop, and uphold scalable, resilient infrastructure solutions that cater to our expanding platform and clientele.Collaborate closely with software engineers to enhance application performance and reliability.Establish monitoring, alerting, and logging frameworks to proactively identify and resolve issues.Automate deployment processes and refine infrastructure management using advanced DevOps tools and methodologies.Advance our backend architecture and infrastructure for both cloud and on-premise deployments.Collaborate with the team to set and prioritize our roadmap for maximum customer impact.Lead efforts to enhance infrastructure reliability, performance, and cost efficiency.

At Sift, we are pioneering the future of infrastructure for modern machines, transforming the way they are constructed, tested, and managed. Our innovative platform offers engineers unparalleled real-time observability over high-frequency telemetry, effectively eliminating bottlenecks and facilitating rapid, dependable development.Originating from our groundbreaking work at SpaceX on projects like Dragon, Falcon, Starlink, and Starship, Sift emerged from the need for advanced infrastructure to accommodate complex telemetry, debug flight systems, and ensure mission reliability. Our founding team, with expertise from SpaceX, Google, and Palantir, crafts solutions for mission-critical systems where precision and scalability are paramount.As a pivotal member of our engineering team, you will not only write code but also play a significant role in shaping the architecture, product direction, and culture of a company dedicated to addressing real engineering challenges. If you thrive on tackling intricate technical problems and aspire to build foundational systems that support complex machinery, we encourage you to apply.

Join Radiant Industries as a Senior Thermal Engineer, where you will play a crucial role in developing innovative thermal solutions for our cutting-edge projects. You will collaborate with a dynamic team of engineers and scientists to enhance product performance through advanced thermal management techniques.

Radiant Industries is on the lookout for a Lead Electrical Motor Design Engineer to spearhead the architecture, technical direction, and implementation of high-speed alternators and primary loop motors for our cutting-edge nuclear-driven power generation systems. This pivotal role will oversee the electric machine design function that is essential for the commercialization of the world's first mass-produced nuclear reactors.In this position, you will establish a technical vision for motor design while steering efforts in structural, thermal, and system integration. As a player-coach, you will actively engage in design work while mentoring a team of engineers to ensure the delivery of safe, reliable, and production-ready generator systems.This hands-on technical leadership position comes with substantial cross-functional impact.

About VardaLow Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is pioneering the creation of commercial space infrastructure, ranging from in-orbit pharmaceutical manufacturing to efficient reentry capsules.Our innovative approach aims to manufacture products in space that can significantly enhance life on Earth, from critical pharmaceuticals to advanced fibers. Varda is at the forefront of transforming the orbital economy through the development of both the necessary products and infrastructure. Our mission is to broaden the economic horizons of humanity.Our exceptional team, consisting of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, leading pharmaceutical firms, and Silicon Valley, is well-equipped to achieve this vision. Founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov, Varda has garnered substantial investment from notable investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.With our headquarters in El Segundo, California, we have a dedicated office and production facility where we design, integrate, and test our vehicles and technologies. Additional offices are located in Washington, DC, and Huntsville, AL.Join Varda to contribute to the establishment of a vibrant in-space economy.

Join our innovative team at cx2 as a Manufacturing Engineer specializing in Electronics. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing electronic manufacturing processes, ensuring high-quality production and efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement advanced manufacturing techniques that drive operational excellence and product quality.

Varda Space Industries builds commercial space infrastructure, including in-orbit pharmaceutical manufacturing and reentry capsules designed for cost efficiency. The company specializes in products enabled by microgravity, such as advanced fiber optics and pharmaceuticals, aiming to bring the benefits of space manufacturing to people on Earth. Founded in 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov, Varda’s team draws on backgrounds from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical firms, and Silicon Valley. The company is supported by Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, and Founders Fund. Headquarters and production are based in El Segundo, California, with offices in Washington, DC, and Huntsville, Alabama. Role overview The Lead Principal Mechanisms Engineer for Payloads leads the design and development of complex electromechanical flight hardware. This hardware must operate reliably in orbit, withstand hypersonic reentry, and return to Earth for further analysis and development. This position shapes the payload architecture for missions focused on pharmaceutical manufacturing and hypersonic reentry testbeds. The engineer guides projects from initial concept through detailed design, ensuring mission requirements are met throughout each stage.