Senior Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer — Spacecraft

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 is hiring a Senior Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer in El Segundo, CA. You will scale propulsion manufacturing from bespoke builds to concurrent production, owning processes from valve assembly to engine integration.

You will work with design and supply chain to drive cadence and improve cleanliness and safety across propulsion hardware. The role focuses on implementing incremental improvements and coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure robust, scalable production of

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or a related discipline with 3–6+ years experience
• 3+ years of manufacturing experience with propulsion systems, fluid systems, or high-pressure hardware
• Hands-on experience with tube fabrication, bending, fitting, and high-pressure fluid system assembly
• Familiarity with propulsion system cleanliness requirements and contamination control
• Experience reading engineering drawings, P&IDs, and assembly models for fluid systems
• Strong problem-solving skills to diagnose propulsion build defects and drive corrective action
• Must be physically able to lift 25 lbs, bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods working with flight hardware

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end manufacturing processes for propulsion system production: valve assembly, tube fabrication, pressure vessel integration, engine integration
• Develop and maintain work instructions, process traveler documents, and process specs for high-pressure fluid systems
• Provide technical direction to improve propulsion build processes and drive increased vehicle cadence
• Implement cleanliness protocols, contamination control procedures, and propellant compatibility requirements
• Lead RCCA for propulsion non-conformances, including leaks and defects
• Define tooling and test equipment requirements for tube shop operations and propulsion testing
• Collaborate with design and supply chain to prevent delays and resolve hardware issues
• Refine propulsion work cell layouts and product flow to support cadence increases

Skills

Propulsion systems

Tube fabrication

High‑pressure fluid systems

Engineering drawings

Root cause analysis

Cleanliness protocols

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (preferred)

Job description

Varda Space is hiring a Senior Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer in El Segundo, CA. You will scale propulsion manufacturing from bespoke builds to concurrent production, owning processes from valve assembly to engine integration.

You will work with design and supply chain to drive cadence and improve cleanliness and safety across propulsion hardware. The role focuses on implementing incremental improvements and coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure robust, scalable production of