Mechanisms Technician (Aerospace)

About This Role

The Mechanisms Technician is responsible for the assembly, integration, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of mechanical systems and fluid handling devices mechanisms used in aerospace vehicles and equipment. This role supports engineering and production teams to ensure high reliability and performance of precision components in demanding environments, including fluid-based systems used in pharmaceutical applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Assemble, install, and integrate aerospace mechanical systems and mechanisms (e.g., actuators, hinges, deployment systems, gear assemblies).
• Assemble and support fluid handling devices and systems (e.g., valves, tubing assemblies, manifolds) used in pharmaceutical or controlled environments.
• Perform functional testing, calibration, and validation of mechanical components, subsystems and fluid devices.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical issues using schematics, technical drawings, and test data.
• Support environmental and performance testing (vibration, thermal, vacuum, etc.).
• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and work instructions.
• Maintain detailed records of builds, tests, and inspections and fluid system validations in compliance with aerospace standards.
• Collaboration with engineers to improve designs, manufacturability, reliability, and fluid system performance.
• Perform preventative maintenance and repairs on test equipment, mechanical systems, and fluid handling equipment.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and quality standards (e.g., AS9100, ISO).
• Assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions for mechanical and fluid system failures or anomalies.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree or technical certification in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Aerospace Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3-5+ years of hands-on experience with precision mechanical assembly, preferably in aerospace, satellite, or defense manufacturing.
• Experience with fluid handling systems, including tubing, fittings, pumps, or valves (pharma or similar industries preferred).
• Proficiency with precision tools, measurement instruments, and assembly techniques.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and schematics.
• Familiarity with mechanical systems such as gears, bearings, linkages, actuators adhesive bonding and component alignment.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to work in a high-precision environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, space systems, or pharmaceutical/biotech manufacturing.
• Knowledge of cleanroom procedures and contamination control.
• Experience with environmental testing (thermal, vibration, vacuum).
• Understanding of materials, tolerances, and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing).
• Experience working with electromechanical systems.

Key Skills

• Mechanical assembly and integration
• Precision measurement and inspection
• Troubleshooting and diagnostics
• Technical documentation
• Team collaboration
• Quality assurance and compliance

Work Environment

• May work in laboratories, manufacturing floors, or cleanroom environments.
• Requires use of PPE and adherence to strict safety and quality standards.

May involve standing for long periods and handling delicate or heavy components.

Pay Range

• Technician I: $29.75 to $35 per hour
• Technician II: $35 to $42 per hour
• Sr. Technician: $43 to $52 per hour
• Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
• You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards

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

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

• 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).