Senior Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer (Space Launch)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Long-term cash awards

Job summary

Varda Space in El Segundo, CA, is seeking a Principal Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer to scale production from bespoke vehicles to concurrent builds. You will own propulsion system manufacturing, drive process improvements, and collaborate across design, manufacturing, and supply chain.

The role focuses on tube fabrication, high‑pressure fluid systems, and cleanliness protocols to increase build cadence while maintaining quality and safety in a demanding aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related field with 6–10+ years manufacturing propulsion experience.
• Hands-on tube fabrication, bending, and high‑pressure fluid system assembly.
• Experience reading engineering drawings, P&IDs, and assembly models.
• Ability to solve first principles problems and drive corrective actions.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end propulsion system manufacturing processes.
• Develop work instructions and process specs for high‑pressure systems.
• Lead RCCA for propulsion non-conformances and leak events.
• Define tooling and test equipment for tube shop ops.
• Collaborate with design and supply chain to prevent delays.
• Refine propulsion work cell layouts to increase cadence.

Skills

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Education

B.S. in Mechanical/Manufacturing or related field

6–10+ years in propulsion manufacturing

MS in Mechanical engineering (Fluid/Process)

Tools

Tube fabrication

Tube bending

High-pressure fluid assembly

P&IDs reading

Job description

Varda Space in El Segundo, CA, is seeking a Principal Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer to scale production from bespoke vehicles to concurrent builds. You will own propulsion system manufacturing, drive process improvements, and collaborate across design, manufacturing, and supply chain.

The role focuses on tube fabrication, high‑pressure fluid systems, and cleanliness protocols to increase build cadence while maintaining quality and safety in a demanding aerospace environment.