Principal Aerospace Structures Manufacturing Engineer

Varda Space Industries; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 182,000 - 263,000; Full time

Job summary

Varda Space Industries is seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Structures) in El Segundo to own and scale the manufacturing processes for primary and secondary structural assemblies of reentry capsules and spacecraft. You will bridge design intent and production reality, leading a hands-on, process-driven team of engineers and technicians.

You will develop detailed work instructions, tooling concepts, and layout optimizations while collaborating with design and manufacturing to drive

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical or Materials Engineering; 6–10+ years manufacturing experience.
• MS in Mechanical Engineering or related field preferred.
• Aerospace production experience is a plus.

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
• 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

Skills

Reading engineering drawings

GD&T interpretation

Problem solving

Hands-on fabrication

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical or Materials Engineering

MS in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

NX

Job description

Varda Space Industries is seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Structures) in El Segundo to own and scale the manufacturing processes for primary and secondary structural assemblies of reentry capsules and spacecraft. You will bridge design intent and production reality, leading a hands-on, process-driven team of engineers and technicians.

You will develop detailed work instructions, tooling concepts, and layout optimizations while collaborating with design and manufacturing to drive