Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Avionics / Electromechanical / Harnessing)

vardaspace; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Varda in El Segundo, CA is seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Avionics / Electromechanical / Harnessing) to scale space-grade payload hardware production. You will own end-to-end processes from wire harness fabrication to actuator integration, ensuring quality and reliability across builds.

You will lead process documentation, guide DFMEA feedback with design and production teams, and drive continuous improvement for every vehicle produced, with a hands-on approach on the shop floor.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical Engineering or related field; typically 6-10+ years of experience.
• 6+ years of manufacturing experience with electromechanical assemblies in high-reliability industries.
• Experience reading electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and connector pinouts.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end manufacturing and assembly processes for payload systems, including hardware and customer-furnished payload equipment.
• Develop and maintain work instructions, travelers, process specs, and acceptance test procedures for fabrication and integration operations.
• Serve as the primary manufacturing interface for payload customers, translating ICD constraints into production processes.
• Implement contamination control, cleanliness, and handling protocols for sensitive payload hardware.
• Collaborate with design engineers to provide DFM/DFA feedback on accessibility, placement, thermal interfaces, and testability.
• Define and execute payload acceptance testing, functional verifications, and pre-integration inspections; maintain traceable build records.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for payload non-conformances; coordinate MRB dispositions with design engineering and customers.
• Coordinate payload integration milestones with vehicle integration team to align gates with build schedule.

Skills

Electromechanical assembly

Wiring harness fabrication

Schematic interpretation

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards

Connector assembly (D-sub, MIL-spec, coax)

Job description

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 (Avionics / Electromechanical / Harnessing) at Varda, you will play a pivotal role in scaling the production of our spacecraft's electromechanical assemblies - from wire harness fabrication and connector installation to electromechanical actuator integration and cable routing. You will own manufacturing processes that sit at the critical intersection of electrical and mechanical systems, ensuring every build meets Varda's exacting quality and reliability standards. This role demands a builder's mindset: someone who is equally at home reviewing a wiring diagram, troubleshooting a connector pinout, and rewriting a work instruction to prevent recurring defects. The focus is on driving incremental, documented improvement for every vehicle Varda produces.

Responsibilities

• 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
• Serve as the primary manufacturing interface for payload customers, translating customer requirements and ICD (Interface Control Document) constraints into executable production processes
• 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
• Define and execute payload acceptance testing, functional verification checkouts, and pre-integration inspections; maintain complete and traceable build records
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for payload non-conformances; coordinate MRB dispositions with design engineering and, where applicable, payload customers
• Coordinate payload integration milestones with the vehicle integration team, ensuring payload readiness gates align with overall vehicle build schedule

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline, with consideration given to equivalent professional experience (typically 6-10+ years)
• 6+ years of experience manufacturing experience with electromechanical assemblies in electronics, aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability industries
• Demonstrated experience with wire harness fabrication, IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards, and connector assembly (e.g., D-sub, circular MIL-spec, coax)
• Strong first principles thinking - able to trace a build defect to its root cause and design a durable fix as applied to electrical and mechanical problems relevant for avionics and Electromechanical assembly
• Experience reading and interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and connector pinouts
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills; comfortable working directly with technicians on the production floor
• Must be physically able to regularly lift 25 lbs., bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods

Preferred Skills and Experience

• M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering specialized in Embedded Systems, Microelectronics, RF or Control Systems or related discipline
• Experience with spacecraft or launch vehicle electromechanical integration in a production (not just prototype) envi