Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Structures)

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.

About This Role

As the Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Structures) at Varda, you will own the manufacturing processes for primary and secondary structural assemblies that form the backbone of our reentry capsules and spacecraft. From composite layup and cure operations to machined metallic substructures and bonded panel assemblies, you will bridge the gap between structural design intent and production reality. You will work shoulder-to-shoulder with structural design engineers and a skilled technician team to drive process discipline, eliminate rework, and steadily increase vehicle build cadence. This is a hands-on role for someone who understands how parts are actually made, not just how they are designed, and who is energized by the challenge of scaling a complex aerospace manufacturing operation.

Responsibilities

Own manufacturing processes for composite structures (wet layup, prepreg, autoclave/oven cure), machined metallic components, and bonded assemblies

Develop and maintain detailed work instructions, process specifications, and manufacturing travelers for all structural build operations

Provide DFM feedback to structural design engineers on composite part design, tooling accessibility, bond joint design, and fastener patterns

Implement and enforce cleanliness, FOD prevention, and contamination control procedures for composite and bonded structure operations

Lead non-conformance investigations and root cause corrective actions for structural build defects and materials issues, including dimensional discrepancies and tolerance stackups, coating failures or damage to structure or protective coatings

Define and procure tooling — drill jigs, assembly fixtures — required to support production scaling

Refine floor layouts and product flow for structural subassembly work cells to reduce travel time and improve throughput

Coordinate with supply chain on incoming material inspection requirements for composite materials, adhesives, and structural raw stock

Basic Qualifications

B.S. in Mechanical or Materials Engineering, or a related discipline, with consideration given to equivalent professional experience (typically 6–10+ years)

6+ years of manufacturing experience with structural assembly or manufacturing — Riveted or welded structures, machined metals, or composites and bonded structures

Strong understanding of structural static loads analysis, mechanical properties of materials and processes used to assemble riveted and bolted structures.

Hands-on experience assembling and fabricating structural assemblies, such as welding, adhesive bonding, or riveting.

Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T callouts, and structural assembly models

Experience writing and maintaining manufacturing process documentation and work instructions

Strong problem-solving skills; able to diagnose structural build defects and drive corrective action through to closure

Must be physically able to regularly lift 25 lbs., bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods while working directly with hardware

Preferred Skills and Experience

M.S. degree in Mechanical engineering specialized in Materials Science, Structural Analysis, or related discipline, with consideration given to equivalent professional experience

Experience manufacturing primary flight structures for launch vehicles, satellites, or reentry systems

Familiarity and strong understanding of dynamic and vibrational loads analysis

Background in transitioning structural assemblies from R&D/prototype to rate production, including tooling qualification

Knowledge of and familiarity with the manufacture of aerospace structural materials like aluminum alloys, titanium, and steel in a manufacturing context

Experience with 3D CAD tools (CATIA, SolidWorks, NX) for tooling design and assembly model review

Familiarity with first article inspection (FAI) processes and FAIR documentation requirements

Prior experience at a new-space or defense prime where structural production cadence was actively being increased

Pay Range

Salary Range: $181,913 - $262,763/per year

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

You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards

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 program.

E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice

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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.