Varda Space Industries

space

TrajectoryAnalysisEngineer

$104–145k El Segundo, California, United States; Washington, District of Columbia, United States; Huntsville, Alabama, United States
Market Sentiment
HIGH DEMAND

Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Mid+ candidates.

The Brief

“Trajectory Analysis Engineer at Varda Space Industries. Skills: Flight Safety Analysis, regulatory strategy, FAA Part 450, Range Safety licensing, trajectory modeling, debris field containment, functional hazard analyses (FHA), failure mode and effect analyses (FMEA). Perform flight safety analyses for each mission, with a focus on failure mode trajectory modeling and debris field containment. Execute the technical regulatory strategy, Methods of Compliance, and safety cases for FAA launch and r”

What You'll Achieve.

produce the Flight Safety Analysis and regulatory strategy required for FAA Part 450 and Range Safety licensing; ensure our flight hardware is verified and our reentry methodologies are mathematically sound

Industry & Context.

space
Problems you'll solve

mathematically sound reentry methodologies

Eligibility Requirements

Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual)

What They're Looking For.

Must Have

Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, systems engineering or related field, Demonstrated ownership and execution of a complex engineering project, cradle-to-grave, Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and present to executives/customers/regulators, experience with risk management methodologies and tools (FMEA, FHA, Fault Tree Analysis), Experience with integration of interdisciplinary systems in the aerospace industry

Nice to Have

Demonstrated experience with FAA Part 450, expected casualty modeling, trajectory dispersion, and/or debris analysis, Demonstrated safety critical mission operations in aviation or space applications, Proven experience navigating the FCC Part 25 (Commercial) or Part 5 (Experimental) licensing process, for satellite and reentry communications, Dedicated to adopting a lean approach to quality without compromising safety or reliability

What You'll Do.

Perform flight safety analyses for each mission

with a focus on failure mode trajectory modeling and debris field containment

Execute the technical regulatory strategy

Methods of Compliance

and safety cases for FAA launch and reentry authorizations

Complete vehicle-level functional hazard analyses (FHA) and failure mode and effect analyses (FMEA)

Act as the Flight Safety responsible engineer during mission rehearsals and live recovery operations

Establish technical safety limits and mission rules for real-time on-console operations

Responsible for vehicle-level deliverables to regulatory organizations

in the service of mission reentry licenses and authorizations

How You'll Work.

Team & Collaboration

highly cross-functional role; bridges the gap between complex engineering trades and regulatory approval; ability to influence cross-functional teams

Communication Scope

Excellent communication skills; ability to influence cross-functional teams and present to executives/customers/regulators

Process & Methodology

Demonstrated ownership and execution of a complex engineering project, cradle-to-grave

Full 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 offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL. Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem. About this Role Varda is seeking a Trajectory Analysis Engineer to fill a flight safety analyst and reentry compliance role. Joining our Mission Assurance team, you will produce the Flight Safety Analysis and regulatory strategy required for FAA Part 450 and Range Safety licensing. This is a highly cross-functional role that bridges the gap between complex engineering trades and regulatory approval. From defining safety-critical verification artifacts during design to supporting live on-console operations, you will ensure our flight hardware is verified and our reentry methodologies are mathematically sound. Responsibilities Perform flight safety analyses for each mission, with a focus on failure

Free ATS check

Applying for this Trajectory Analysis Engineer role?

Most applicants get filtered before a human reads their resume. See if yours makes the cut.

How to Apply on Greenhouse

  • Create a Greenhouse profile before applying — it saves time across multiple applications.
  • Upload your resume as a PDF; the parser handles it better than Word.
  • Answer all knockout questions carefully — wrong answers auto-reject before a human sees you.
  • Enable email notifications to track application status in real time.

ANONYMOUS · UNFILTERED

What do employees actually say about Varda Space Industries?

Real rants from real employees. Read before you apply.

Read Company Rants →