Principal Structures Manufacturing Engineer (Aerospace)

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

Job summary

Varda Space in El Segundo, CA is hiring a Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Structures) to own the manufacturing processes for primary and secondary structural assemblies forming the backbone of reentry capsules and spacecraft. You will bridge design intent and production reality, working closely with design engineers and technicians to scale a complex aerospace operation.

This hands-on role requires experience with composites, metals, bonding, and tooling, and demands strong problem-solving and

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical or Materials Engineering; typically 6–10+ years of manufacturing experience.
• 6+ years of manufacturing experience with structural assembly (riveted/welded, machined metals, or composites).
• Strong understanding of structural static loads and material properties.
• Hands-on experience assembling and fabricating structural assemblies (welding, adhesive bonding, riveting).
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and assembly models.
• Experience writing and maintaining manufacturing process documentation and work instructions.
• Strong problem-solving skills; drive corrective actions to closure.
• Physically able to lift 25 lbs, bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Own manufacturing processes for composite structures, machined metallic components, and bonded assemblies.
• Develop and maintain detailed work instructions, process specifications, and travelers for all structural build operations.
• Provide DFM feedback to structural design engineers on design, tooling accessibility, bond joint design, and fastener patterns.
• Implement and enforce cleanliness, FOD prevention, and contamination control procedures for composite and bonded structure operations.
• Lead non-conformance investigations and root cause corrective actions for structural build defects and materials issues, including dimensional discrepancies and tolerance stackups, coating failures or damage to structure or protective coatings.
• Define and procure tooling — drill jigs, assembly fixtures — required to support production scaling.
• Refine floor layouts and product flow for structural subassembly work cells to reduce travel time and improve throughput.
• Coordinate with supply chain on incoming material inspection requirements for composite materials, adhesives, and structural raw stock.

Skills

Reading drawings

GD&T interpretation

Structural assembly

Root cause analysis

Tooling guidance

Education

B.S. Mechanical or Materials Engineering

M.S. Mechanical or Materials (preferred)

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

NX

Job description

Varda Space in El Segundo, CA is hiring a Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Structures) to own the manufacturing processes for primary and secondary structural assemblies forming the backbone of reentry capsules and spacecraft. You will bridge design intent and production reality, working closely with design engineers and technicians to scale a complex aerospace operation.

This hands-on role requires experience with composites, metals, bonding, and tooling, and demands strong problem-solving and