Senior Payloads Manufacturing Engineer: Spacecraft Hardware

Varda Space; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Long-term cash awards

Job summary

Varda Space Industries, Inc. is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer (Payloads) to own the manufacturing and integration of mission-critical payload systems including pharmaceutical processing hardware and precision modules.

You will translate requirements into production-ready processes, develop detailed work instructions, and work hands-on with technicians to ensure payloads meet the highest standards of quality and cleanliness.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical, Biomedical Engineering, or related discipline; typically 3–6+ years of experience
• 3+ years manufacturing or integrating complex electromechanical assemblies or payload systems in aerospace/defense/biomedical/research environments
• Experience building and integrating precision hardware to tight tolerances and cleanliness requirements
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, ICDs, and assembly models; familiarity with GD&T and interface management
• Experience developing and executing assembly procedures and acceptance test plans for multi-functional hardware assemblies
• Strong written and verbal communication; able to interface with customers and cross-functional teams
• Physically able to lift 25 lbs, bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods while working with flight hardware

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end manufacturing and assembly processes for payload systems
• Develop and maintain detailed work instructions, travelers, process specs, and acceptance test procedures
• Serve as primary manufacturing interface for payload customers translating requirements into production processes
• Implement contamination control and handling protocols for sensitive payload hardware
• Collaborate with design engineers to provide DFM/DFA feedback on assembly accessibility and testing
• Define and execute payload acceptance testing, verification, and pre-integration inspections
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for payload non-conformances
• Coordinate payload integration milestones with vehicle integration team

Skills

Manufacturing

DFM / DFA feedback

Reading drawings

Communication

Cleanroom

Education

BS Mechanical Engineering

MS Mechanical Engineering

Tools

GD&T

Job description

Varda Space Industries, Inc. is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer (Payloads) to own the manufacturing and integration of mission-critical payload systems including pharmaceutical processing hardware and precision modules.

You will translate requirements into production-ready processes, develop detailed work instructions, and work hands-on with technicians to ensure payloads meet the highest standards of quality and cleanliness.