Principal Spacecraft Avionics & Harnessing Engineer

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

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.