Senior Spacecraft Integration Engineer – Assembly Lead

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

Job summary

Varda Space seeks a Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Integration to coordinate spacecraft final assembly on the factory floor. You will own integration procedures from subassembly mating to final closeout, working at the convergence of structures, propulsion, avionics, and TPS to ensure flight-ready vehicles.

This role requires disciplined process control, strong problem solving, and the ability to resolve subsystems conflicts in real time.

Qualifications

• Must have a B.S. in Mechanical or Systems Engineering or related field.
• 3–6+ years in vehicle or system-level integration roles or final assembly in aerospace/defense/robotics.
• Strong understanding of how multiple subsystems interface within a vehicle assembly.
• Experience developing and executing complex assembly or integration procedures.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and make real-time decisions on the production floor.
• Exceptional communication and coordination skills across multi-discipline teams.
• Must be physically able to regularly lift 25 lbs. and stand for extended periods with flight hardware.

Responsibilities

• Own spacecraft integration sequences and procedures from subassembly mating through final vehicle closeout and acceptance.
• Develop, maintain, and improve assembly travelers and integration work instructions that sequence all subsystem interfaces correctly.
• Serve as the primary interface between manufacturing and all engineering disciplines during vehicle integration.
• Identify and resolve interface conflicts, clearance issues, and sequence problems before impacting schedule.
• Lead integration readiness reviews and ensure all pre-integration checkpoints are completed and documented.
• Drive root cause analysis and RCCA for integration non-conformances; disposition MRBs with design engineering.
• Track integration metrics (cycle time, NCR rates, rework hours) and implement improvements to hit cadence goals.
• Define tooling and lifting/handling equipment requirements for safe vehicle integration operations.

Skills

Cross-discipline coordination

Real-time decision making

Strong communication

Physical stamina

Education

B.S. in Mechanical or Systems Engineering

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering (preferred)

Job description

Varda Space seeks a Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Integration to coordinate spacecraft final assembly on the factory floor. You will own integration procedures from subassembly mating to final closeout, working at the convergence of structures, propulsion, avionics, and TPS to ensure flight-ready vehicles.

This role requires disciplined process control, strong problem solving, and the ability to resolve subsystems conflicts in real time.