Senior Payloads Manufacturing Engineer - Space Systems

Varda Space Industries, Inc.; El Segundo, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 179,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible PTO + 12 holidays

Company-paid medical, dental, vision

Relocation support

Stock options

401(k) with match

Relocation assistance

Wellness reimbursement

Parental leave

One Medical memberships

Cell phone reimbursement

Job summary

Varda Space Industries, Inc. is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer- Payloads to own the manufacturing and integration of mission-critical payload systems on our in-space capsules.

You will translate payload requirements into production processes, create detailed work instructions, and work hands-on with technicians to ensure build readiness and quality. This role interfaces with customers and internal teams to enable life-saving pharmaceuticals and advanced experiments in microgravity.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical, Biomedical Engineering, or related field; 3–6+ years preferred.
• Experience manufacturing or integrating complex electromechanical assemblies or payload systems.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, ICDs, and assembly models; knowledge of GD&T.
• Experience building procedures and acceptance tests for multi-functional hardware.
• Strong written and verbal communication; able to interface with customers and teams.
• 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 detailed work instructions, travelers, specs, and test procedures.
• Interface with payload customers, translating requirements into production processes.
• Implement contamination control and cleanliness protocols for sensitive hardware.
• Collaborate with design engineers on DFM/ DFA feedback for assembly.
• Define and execute payload acceptance testing and build records.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for non-conformances.
• Coordinate payload integration milestones with vehicle integration team.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

GD&T familiarity

Payload integration

Cross-functional communication

Physical readiness

Education

B.S. Mechanical/Biomedical Eng or related

Job description

Varda Space Industries, Inc. is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer- Payloads to own the manufacturing and integration of mission-critical payload systems on our in-space capsules.

You will translate payload requirements into production processes, create detailed work instructions, and work hands-on with technicians to ensure build readiness and quality. This role interfaces with customers and internal teams to enable life-saving pharmaceuticals and advanced experiments in microgravity.