> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3952086-principal-mechanisms-engineer-payloads](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3952086-principal-mechanisms-engineer-payloads). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Mechanisms Engineer - Payloads - **Company:** Varda Space Industries - **Location:** El Segundo, CA, United States - **Experience:** Experienced - **Salary:** $181,913.0 - $232,444.0 - **Contract:** Internship / Graduate position - **Skills:** Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, Front End Software Development - **Published:** October 27, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.careerbuilder.com/job-details/principal-mechanisms-engineer-payloads-el-segundo-ca--88ca30d3-0fee-466c-a203-a8a80413d1d5 ## About the Role * BS/BEng in Mechanical, Aerospace, Mechatronics, or related field * 7+ years of experience designing, integrating, testing, and troubleshooting electromechanical hardware * Deep mechanical expertise with breadth in at least two adjacent disciplines (avionics, software, thermal, optics, test, etc.) * Track record leading teams through full cycle electromechanical space flight hardware development * Experience communicating with diverse technical and executive audiences, both internal and external Preferred Skills And Experience * 3+ years of cross-functional project leadership experience * Significant experience planning and executing aerospace environmental testing (vibration, TVAC, EMI/EMC) * Experience leading government-facing technical programs * Active Secret or Top Secret clearance ## Description As a Principal Mechanisms Engineer on Varda's Payload team, you will define and lead the development of complex electromechanical flight hardware that operates in orbit, endures hypersonic reentry, and returns to Earth for inspection and iteration. You will shape payload architecture across pharmaceutical manufacturing and hypersonic reentry testbed missions-guiding systems from early concept through detailed design, integration, testing, launch, and recovery. You'll work closely with internal leadership and external partners, translating mission needs into engineering strategy and technical direction. This role is ideal for engineers with deep mechanical expertise and broad cross-disciplinary insight who want to influence system architecture, lead multi-mission efforts, and mentor engineers while delivering complex hardware on rapid flight timelines. 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 using a variety of tools (hand calcs, python/matlab models, FEA, etc. as needed) * 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, * 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.