Varda

Senior Prototype Machinist

El Segundo, California, United States

$70-100k

Full Time

20 minutes ago

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Job description

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.

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 an office in Washington, D.C.

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

About this Role

Varda Space Industries is seeking a highly skilled Senior Prototype Machinist to join our Manufacturing Group. This role is crucial as we establish our in-house manufacturing capabilities to provide rapid turnaround on requests. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, demonstrates exceptional technical skills, and has a passion for hands-on manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities:

Execute CNC programming with HSMworks/ SolidCAM, focusing on 3 and 5 axis machines for small batch and high-mix geometries.
Set up and operate production equipment during the initial development and debugging of new programs, ensuring manufacturing readiness.
Utilize SolidWorks and NX for fixture design, part modeling, and creating machining programs.
Oversee the entire manufacturing process from stock procurement to quality control.
Manage the manufacturing queue using Jira, ensuring timely delivery and seamless coordination with other departments.
Continuously identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and performance.
Serve as the in-house subject matter expert, participating in lean events to optimize existing released products, reduce setup time, reduce machine time, or otherwise improve productivity and quality.
Maintain a strong commitment to meeting critical production targets without compromising quality. \

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
1-5 years of CNC machining experience, preferably in aerospace or precision engineering.
Proficient in SolidWorks or NX.
Frequent user of CAM software programs. HSMworks/SolidCAM preferred. Others such as MasterCAM and ESPRIT are acceptable.
Strong knowledge of work-holding, tooling systems, and CNC machine setup.
In-depth knowledge of GD&T and various manufacturing processes.
Strong problem-solving skills with a first principles approach to technical challenges.
Exhibits unwavering commitment to quality and production targets.
Thrives in a role that requires complete ownership of the manufacturing process, including all intermediate steps.
U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the U.S. to conform with U.S Government space technology export regulations under ITAR

Compensation

CAD/CAM Engineer: $70,000 - 100,000
Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
You will be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards
Offer compensation also includes the ability to purchase company stock through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan

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.

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. At present, some of our technology to which employees have access requires a license to be exported to individuals other than “U.S. Persons” as defined in U.S. export regulations. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our current 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 in the U.S.)
Learn more about the ITAR here.

Benefits

Exciting team of professionals at the top of their field to working by your side
Working in El Segundo, CA - an awesome Southern California beach city with quick access to entertainment and outdoor activities
Equity in a fully funded space startup with potential for significant growth (interns excluded)
401(k) matching (interns excluded)
Unlimited PTO (interns excluded)
Health insurance, including Vision and Dental
Lunch and snacks provided on site every day. Dinners provided twice a week.
Maternity / Paternity leave (interns excluded)

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