Senior Avionics & Electromechanical Manufacturing Lead

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

Job summary

Varda Space in El Segundo, CA seeks a Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Avionics / Electromechanical / Harnessing) to scale production of spacecraft electromechanical assemblies—from wire harness fabrication to actuator integration—driving robust, measurable improvements in quality and reliability.

You will own processes, develop detailed work instructions, collaborate with design engineers for DFM/DFA, and lead MRB activities, with on-site responsibilities and a path toward rate production.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent, typically 6–10+ years.
• 6+ years manufacturing experience with electromechanical assemblies in aerospace/high reliability.
• Experience with wire harness fabrication and connector assembly (D-sub, MIL-spec, coax).
• Strong first principles thinking to trace defects to root cause and durable fixes.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and connector pinouts.
• Excellent collaboration and communication; work with technicians on the floor.
• Must be physically able to lift 25 lbs and stand for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end manufacturing and assembly processes for payload systems.
• Develop and maintain work instructions, travelers, and test procedures.
• Interface with payload customers, translating ICD constraints into production processes.
• Implement contamination control, cleanliness, and handling protocols for sensitive hardware.
• Collaborate with design engineers on DFM/ DFA feedback for accessibility and testability.
• Define and execute payload acceptance testing and build records.
• Lead root cause analysis and MRB dispositions with design engineering.
• Coordinate payload integration milestones with vehicle team and schedules.

Skills

Wire harness fabrication

DFM/ DFA feedback

Root cause analysis

Schematics reading

Collaboration with technicians

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical/Mechanical Eng

Master of Science in Electrical Eng (Embedded/Control)

Tools

IPC/WHMA-A-620

Windchill/PLM

D-sub / MIL-spec connectors

Job description

Varda Space in El Segundo, CA seeks a Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Avionics / Electromechanical / Harnessing) to scale production of spacecraft electromechanical assemblies—from wire harness fabrication to actuator integration—driving robust, measurable improvements in quality and reliability.

You will own processes, develop detailed work instructions, collaborate with design engineers for DFM/DFA, and lead MRB activities, with on-site responsibilities and a path toward rate production.