Varda Space
Senior Manufacturing Engineer (Integration)
El Segundo, California, United States · Senior
Work authorization required$140k-$179kDetected 20 days ago
CadenceEmbedded SystemsAvionicsSystems EngineeringRoboticsMechanical DesignElectrical EngineeringControlsManual TestingLeadershipCommunicationFiber Optics
About the role
- This role demands exceptional situational awareness, meticulous attention to process discipline, and the confidence to resolve conflicts between subsystems in real time on the factory floor.
- If you thrive on complexity and find satisfaction in watching a spacecraft come together under your direction, this is the role for you.
Responsibilities
- Own spacecraft integration sequences and procedures from subassembly mating through final vehicle closeout and acceptance
- Develop, maintain, and continuously improve assembly travelers and integration work instructions that sequence all subsystem interfaces correctly
- Identify and resolve interface conflicts, clearance issues, and assembly sequence problems before they impact build schedule
- Lead integration readiness reviews and ensure all pre-integration checkpoints - cleanliness, FOD sweeps, torque records, pin-to-pin checks - are completed and documented
- Drive root cause analysis and RCCA for integration non-conformances
- disposition MRBs in coordination with design engineering
- Track integration metrics (planned vs. actual cycle time, NCR rates, rework hours) and implement targeted improvements to hit cadence goals
- Experience developing and executing complex assembly or integration procedures
- Relocation support for new hires, if needed
Requirements
- B.S. in Mechanical or Systems Engineering, or a related discipline, with consideration given to equivalent professional experience (typically 3-6+ years)
- 3+ years of experience in vehicle or system-level integration roles or final assembly within aerospace, defense, robotics or similar industries
- Strong understanding of how multiple subsystems (mechanical, electrical, fluid) interface within a vehicle assembly
- Must be physically able to regularly lift 25 lbs., bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods while working directly with flight hardware
- Familiarity with integration and test (I&T) flows for complex aerospace vehicles, including functional testing at each integration milestone
- Experience with configuration management and build record documentation in a regulated aerospace environment
- Knowledge of cleanliness and contamination control requirements for propulsion, optical, or precision mechanism integration
- Hands-on experience with vehicle handling - cranes, slings, rotation fixtures, and precision alignment tooling
- Experience conducting integration readiness reviews, pre-mate inspections, and post-integration functional checkouts
Nice to have
- Preferred Skills and Experience
Compensation
- 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
- Senior: $140,333-$179,314/per year
- Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance
- Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up
- $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
Benefits
- 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
- $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
- 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
Visa & Work Authorization
- 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.
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This listing is sourced directly from Varda Space's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.