Avionics and Electrical Design Engineer (m/w/d)

At Alpine Eagle, we’re building the future of counter-drone defence. We’re a fast-growing, international deep-tech company working at the intersection of aerospace engineering, defence systems, and machine learning. Our goal: create the world’s first swarm-based, airborne counter-drone system. Modern conflicts show how quickly drones are reshaping the battlefield. Threats are rising, and today’s solutions aren’t keeping pace. We’re here to change that. Alpine Eagle isn’t just a defence company. It’s a mission. Backed by an international team, strong funding, and a bold vision, we’re looking for people who want to shape the next generation of aerial security and build something that truly matters.   🎯 How you will make an impact: * Rapid Concept Integration: You will support the engineering team by turning design files into reality, integrating complex hardware (avionics, sensors, motors) into next-generation airframes.  * Composite & Mechanical Fabrication: You will handle advanced fabrication tasks, including 3D printing, CNC machining, and working with composite materials (cutting, laminating, and bonding) to build robust prototype structures.  * Wiring and Electronics: You will manufacture professional-grade wiring harnesses (crimping, soldering) and integrate flight controllers to ensure zero-failure electrical systems.  * Validation & Field Readiness: You will conduct functional tests to verify performance and prepare prototypes for critical field tests and high-stakes customer demonstrations.  * Iterative Improvement: You won't just build it once; you will provide feedback on manufacturability, helping engineers troubleshoot issues and refine designs for mass production.  ✅ What you need to be successful: * Proven Drone Experience: Strong background in building, assembling, and tuning UAVs or complex RC models (fixed-wing or multicopter).  * Hands-on Versatility: You are comfortable jumping between delicate soldering/electronics work and heavy mechanical fabrication (drilling, cutting, finishing).  * Composite Skills: Experience with composite materials (carbon fiber, fiberglass) including laminating, bonding, and repair is a major advantage.  * Harness Manufacturing: Professional experience creating custom wiring harnesses (crimping, connector assembly) rather than just connecting pre-made wires.  * Agile Mindset: You thrive in a fast-paced environment where requirements change, and you take pride in delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines.  * Collaborative Spirit: You communicate clearly with designers to identify risks and solve problems before the drone leaves the bench.    At Alpine Eagle, we are committed to diversity and equal opportunity. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, or sexual identity. Apply now!

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. Varda’s W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses. 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. WHAT YOU WILL DO (JOB RESPONSIBILITIES) The Mission Operations team are experienced spacecraft operator. They are exceptional communicators, adept leaders, and a jack-of-all trades capable of applying cross-discipline engineering to bespoke solutions. An ideal candidate is someone passionate to work in a startup environment where you will have the opportunity to fully own on-orbit operations, and mold a unique new mission framework for operations in space. * Develop, coordinate, execute, and lead Varda's on-orbit missions. * Own the full ops development cycle for mission-unique payloads, from the creation of mission profiles through execution. * Work with teams across the company to continuously improve upon mission operations and ensure mission success. * Automate and eliminate operational burden by building webtools. * Scale up Varda's operational capabilities to support a growing flight cadence.   WHAT YOU WILL BRING (BASIC QUALIFICATIONS) * Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, preferably Aerospace, Electrical, or Computer Science. * 2+ years of experience in a real time operations role on a complex and high consequence operation. * 1+ years of experience developing software tools in Python, JavaScript, and/or HTML. * Familiarity with Avionics, GNC, Software, and Thermal design practices for spacecraft.   WHAT WOULD BE A PLUS (PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS) * 3+ years of experience with spacecraft systems. * Previous operator experience in a leadership role. * Previous in-orbit spacecraft operations experience. * Previous experience with Git and Atlassian products. * Familiarity with ground stations networks.   HOW VARDA COMPENSATES * Salary range: $120,000 - $170,000 annually. * This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA. * Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance. * Offer compensation also includes the ability to receive stock options under the Company's Equity Incentive Plan.   #LI-VSI BENEFITS Varda offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial well‑being, and a high‑quality workplace experience. Below is an overview of what full‑time employees receive (at this time, interns receive a subset of benefits):  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   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 [https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.e-verify.gov%2Femployees%2Fe-verify-overview&data=05%7C01%7Ctyree%40varda.com%7C22201ef47a8142f3b0a708dbd0f6e47b%7C1b36161382e94a8784f78a213228882f%7C0%7C0%7C638333531041144158%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=3toCq47V%2FiQtV%2B5rEKFG0tfg0yXkNTv4SuLE2Xy40Rk%3D&reserved=0] program. E-Verify Notice                                                               Right To Work Notice Read more                                                                             Read more 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.