Scale-Up Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer II

Varda Space Industries; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 153,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Long-term cash awards

Job summary

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA is hiring a Manufacturing Engineer II (Propulsion) to scale propulsion manufacturing from bespoke builds to concurrent production. You will own processes for valve assembly, tube fabrication, pressure vessel integration, and engine integration.

You will develop work instructions, lead root-cause analysis, and define tooling for testing and acceptance. This on-site role collaborates with design engineers and supply chain to improve cadence and ensure

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or a related discipline, with consideration given to equivalent professional experience (typically 1–3+ years)
• 3+ years of manufacturing experience with propulsion systems, fluid systems, or high-pressure hardware in aerospace or a related industry
• Hands-on experience with tube fabrication, tube bending, tube fitting installation, and high-pressure fluid system assembly
• Familiarity with propulsion system cleanliness requirements, cleanliness verification methods, and contamination control procedures
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, P&IDs, and assembly models for fluid systems
• Strong first principles problem-solving capability; able to diagnose propulsion build defects and drive corrective action to closure
• Must be physically able to regularly lift 25 lbs., bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods while working directly with flight hardware

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end manufacturing processes for propulsion system production: valve assembly, tube fabrication, pressure vessel integration, and engine integration
• Develop and maintain work instructions, process traveler documents, and process specifications for high-pressure fluid systems and propulsion hardware
• Provide technical direction to improve propulsion build processes and drive increased vehicle production cadence
• Implement and enforce propulsion-specific cleanliness protocols, contamination control procedures, and propellant compatibility requirements
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions (RCCA) for propulsion non-conformances, including leak events, contamination findings, and assembly defects
• Define tooling and test equipment requirements for tube shop operations, leak checks, and propulsion acceptance testing
• Collaborate with design engineers and supply chain to prevent schedule delays and resolve incoming hardware quality issues
• Refine propulsion work cell layouts and product flow to support cadence increase and concurrent vehicle builds

Skills

Problem-solving

Reading drawings

Propulsion knowledge

Physical suitability

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical/Manufacturing

MS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Ultrasonic testing

Dye penetrant

X-ray inspection

Orbital welding

Machining

Additive manufacturing

Job description

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA is hiring a Manufacturing Engineer II (Propulsion) to scale propulsion manufacturing from bespoke builds to concurrent production. You will own processes for valve assembly, tube fabrication, pressure vessel integration, and engine integration.

You will develop work instructions, lead root-cause analysis, and define tooling for testing and acceptance. This on-site role collaborates with design engineers and supply chain to improve cadence and ensure