Principal Spacecraft Integration Engineer

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

Job summary

Varda Space in El Segundo, CA is seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Integration) to lead spacecraft final assembly, owning integration procedures and cross-discipline interfaces. You will drive readiness reviews, resolve interface conflicts, and ensure safe, on-time builds on the factory floor.

This on-site role requires 6–10+ years in vehicle or system-level integration, a relevant engineering degree, and strong communication across teams.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical or Systems Engineering or equivalent experience (typically 6–10+ years).
• Experience in vehicle or system-level integration roles in aerospace, defense, robotics or similar industries.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and make sound, real-time decisions on the production floor.

Responsibilities

• Own spacecraft integration sequences and procedures from subassembly mating through final vehicle closeout and acceptance.
• Develop, maintain, and improve assembly travelers and integration work instructions that sequence all subsystem interfaces correctly.
• Serve as the primary interface between manufacturing and all engineering disciplines during vehicle integration.
• Identify and resolve interface conflicts, clearance issues, and assembly sequence problems before they impact build schedule.
• Lead integration readiness reviews and ensure pre-integration checkpoints are completed and documented.
• Drive root cause analysis and RCCA for integration non-conformances; disposition MRBs with design engineering.
• Track integration metrics and implement targeted improvements to hit cadence goals.
• Define tooling and lifting/handling equipment requirements for safe vehicle integration operations.

Skills

Exceptional communication andcoordina

Production floor decisions

Physical ability to lift 25 lbs

Education

B.S. in Mechanical or Systems Engineering

M.S. in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering (Embedded Systems)

Job description

Varda Space in El Segundo, CA is seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Integration) to lead spacecraft final assembly, owning integration procedures and cross-discipline interfaces. You will drive readiness reviews, resolve interface conflicts, and ensure safe, on-time builds on the factory floor.

This on-site role requires 6–10+ years in vehicle or system-level integration, a relevant engineering degree, and strong communication across teams.