Principal Manufacturing Engineer, Space Structures

vardaspace; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Varda is seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Structures) to own the manufacturing processes for primary and secondary structural assemblies of reentry capsules and spacecraft. You will bridge structural design intent and production reality, working with engineers and technicians to drive process discipline and increase build cadence.

You will lead in layup, cure operations, bonding, fastening, and tooling requirements, while ensuring cleanliness and FOD prevention.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical or Materials Engineering or equivalent professional experience (6–10+ years).
• 6+ years manufacturing experience with structural assembly or manufacturing (riveted/welded structures, machined metals, composites).
• Strong understanding of structural static loads, materials properties, and bonding/joint design.

Responsibilities

• Own manufacturing processes for composite structures (wet layup, prepreg, autoclave cure).
• Develop and maintain work instructions, process specs, and travelers for structural build operations.
• Provide DFM feedback to engineers on composite part design, tooling access, joint design, and fastener patterns.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Materials engineering

GD&T

Fabrication

Reading drawings

Education

BS in Mechanical or Materials Engineering

Equivalent experience

Job description

Varda is seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Structures) to own the manufacturing processes for primary and secondary structural assemblies of reentry capsules and spacecraft. You will bridge structural design intent and production reality, working with engineers and technicians to drive process discipline and increase build cadence.

You will lead in layup, cure operations, bonding, fastening, and tooling requirements, while ensuring cleanliness and FOD prevention.