Varda Space

Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Payloads)

El Segundo, California, United States · Principal

Work authorization required$182k-$232kDetected 20 days ago

AccessibilityGD&TMechanical DesignHardware DesignGMPResearchLeadershipCommunicationFiber Optics

About the role

Varda's payloads - including pharmaceutical processing hardware, microgravity experiment modules, and government and commercial customer systems - represent the core value proposition of every mission.
If you are driven by the idea that what you manufacture will directly enable life-saving pharmaceuticals or cutting-edge scientific research in microgravity, this role is for you.

Own end-to-end manufacturing and assembly processes for Varda payload systems, including pharmaceutical processing hardware, experiment modules, and customer-furnished payload equipment
Develop and maintain detailed work instructions, assembly travelers, process specifications, and acceptance test procedures for payload fabrication and integration operations
Implement contamination control, cleanliness, and handling protocols appropriate for sensitive payload hardware, including pharmaceutical-grade and precision optical components
Collaborate with payload design engineers to provide DFM and DFA feedback on assembly accessibility, connector placement, thermal interface design, and testability
maintain complete and traceable build records
Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for payload non-conformances
Coordinate payload integration milestones with the vehicle integration team, ensuring payload readiness gates align with overall vehicle build schedule
Demonstrated experience building and integrating precision hardware to tight tolerances and exacting cleanliness requirements
Relocation support for new hires, if needed

B.S. in Mechanical, Biomedical Engineering, or a related discipline, with consideration given to equivalent professional experience (typically 6-10+ years)
6+ years of experience manufacturing or integrating complex and compact electromechanical assemblies, scientific instruments, or payload systems in aerospace, defense, biomedical, or research environments
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, ICDs, and assembly models
familiarity with GD&T and interface requirement management
Must be physically able to regularly lift 25 lbs., bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods while working directly with flight hardware
M.S. degree in Mechanical engineering specialized in Fluid Mechanics, Biomedical Engineering, or related discipline
Experience manufacturing or integrating spacecraft payloads, scientific instruments, or hosted payload modules for LEO, GEO, or deep space missions
Familiarity with pharmaceutical or bioprocessing hardware manufacturing requirements, including GMP considerations and contamination control protocols relevant to in-space drug manufacturing
Experience with ICD management and interface verification processes for payload-to-spacecraft integration
Familiarity with environmental testing (thermal vacuum, vibration, shock) as it applies to payload hardware acceptance and qualification

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
Principal: $181,913- $232,444/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

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

Serve as the primary manufacturing interface for payload customers, translating customer requirements and ICD (Interface Control Document) constraints into executable production processes
coordinate MRB dispositions with design engineering and, where applicable, payload customers

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.

This listing is sourced directly from Varda Space's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.