Varda Space

Senior Manufacturing Engineer (Propulsion)

El Segundo, California, United States · Senior

Work authorization required$140k-$179kDetected 19 days ago

Supply ChainCadenceMechanical DesignLeadershipProblem SolvingFiber Optics

About the role

As the Senior Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer at Varda, you will have the opportunity to utilize your experience to scale manufacturing from a few bespoke vehicles to many consistent, concurrent builds.
This role supports propulsion system production, including valve assembly, tube fabrication, pressure vessel integration, and engine integration.
The Propulsion ME owns manufacturing processes for high-pressure fluid systems and propulsion hardware from tube shop operations through acceptance testing.

Own end-to-end manufacturing processes for propulsion system production: valve assembly, tube fabrication, pressure vessel integration, and engine integration
Develop and maintain work instructions, process traveler documents, and process specifications for high-pressure fluid systems and propulsion hardware
Provide technical direction to improve propulsion build processes and drive increased vehicle production cadence
Implement and enforce propulsion-specific cleanliness protocols, contamination control procedures, and propellant compatibility requirements
Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions (RCCA) for propulsion non-conformances, including leak events, contamination findings, and assembly defects
Collaborate with design engineers and supply chain to prevent schedule delays and resolve incoming hardware quality issues
Refine propulsion work cell layouts and product flow to support cadence increase and concurrent vehicle builds
Relocation support for new hires, if needed

B.S. in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or a related discipline, with consideration given to equivalent professional experience (typically 3-6+ years)
3+ years of manufacturing experience with propulsion systems, fluid systems, or high-pressure hardware in aerospace or a related industry
Hands-on experience with tube fabrication, tube bending, tube fitting installation, and high-pressure fluid system assembly
Familiarity with propulsion system cleanliness requirements, cleanliness verification methods, and contamination control procedures
Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, P&IDs, and assembly models for fluid systems
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, Process Engineering, or related discipline
Experience manufacturing and assembling propulsion systems for launch vehicles, spacecraft, or hypersonic vehicles, including valve assembly and pressure vessel integration
Experience with high pressure fluid systems testing, or qualification of assemblies including energetics and explosives.
Experience with materials including metals, composites, and plastics for use in propulsion systems.

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

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

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.