Principal Payloads Manufacturing Engineer, Space Systems

Varda Space Industries; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 182,000 - 232,000; Full time

Job summary

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA, is seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer- Payloads to own the manufacturing and integration of mission‑critical payload systems that define what Varda's reentry capsules actually do in space.

You will translate payload design requirements into production‑ready assembly processes and develop rigorous work instructions, ensuring quality and cleanliness at every step.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years of aerospace manufacturing or payload integration experience.
• Experience reading engineering drawings, ICDs and using GD&T.
• Experience developing assembly procedures and test plans for multi‑functional hardware.
• Strong written and verbal communication with customers and cross‑functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end payload manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Develop detailed work instructions, assembly travelers, process specs and ATPs.
• Interface with payload customers translating requirements and ICD constraints.
• Implement contamination control and handling protocols for sensitive payload hardware.
• Collaborate with design engineers to provide DFM/DFA feedback.
• Define and execute payload acceptance testing and traceable build records.
• Lead root cause analysis and MRB dispositions with engineering and customers.
• Coordinate payload integration milestones with vehicle integration team.

Skills

Aerospace manufacturing

6+ years experience

GD&T

Engineering drawings

DFM DFA

Customer interfacing

Education

B.S. in Mechanical or Biomedical Eng

M.S. in Mechanical Eng (preferred)

Job description

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA, is seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer- Payloads to own the manufacturing and integration of mission‑critical payload systems that define what Varda's reentry capsules actually do in space.

You will translate payload design requirements into production‑ready assembly processes and develop rigorous work instructions, ensuring quality and cleanliness at every step.