Space Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer II

Varda Space; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 173,000; Full time

Job summary

Varda Space Industries is hiring a Manufacturing Engineer II (Propulsion) in El Segundo, CA. You will scale propulsion production, manage valve assembly, tube fabrication, pressure vessel integration, and engine integration, while enforcing cleanliness and safety protocols.

You will collaborate with design engineers and technicians to increase build cadence, drive continuous improvement, and maintain quality across the propulsion hardware produced for our orbital vehicles.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related discipline; typically 1–3+ years.
• 1+ year of manufacturing experience with propulsion systems or high-pressure hardware.
• Hands-on experience with tube fabrication, bending, fittings, and assembly.
• Familiarity with propulsion cleanliness requirements and contamination control.
• Experience reading engineering drawings, P&IDs, and assembly models for fluid systems.
• Strong first principles problem-solving to diagnose propulsion build defects.
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs and stand for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end propulsion system manufacturing processes.
• Develop and maintain work instructions and process specifications.
• Provide technical direction to improve propulsion build processes.
• Enforce propulsion cleanliness protocols and testing.
• Lead RCCA for propulsion non-conformances.
• Define tooling and test equipment for tube shop operations.
• Collaborate with design and supply chain to prevent delays.
• Refine work cell layouts to increase cadence and concurrent builds.

Skills

Propulsion systems manufacturing

Tube fabrication

Tube bending

Tube fitting installation

High-pressure fluid systems

Propulsion cleanliness

Engineering drawings / P&IDs

Root-cause analysis

Physical ability

Education

B.S. in Mechanical/Manufacturing

MS in Mechanical Engineering (Fluid Mechanics/Process)

Tools

Welding

Orbital welding

Machining

Additive manufacturing

NDE methods (ultrasonic, dye penetrant, X-ray)

Job description

Varda Space Industries is hiring a Manufacturing Engineer II (Propulsion) in El Segundo, CA. You will scale propulsion production, manage valve assembly, tube fabrication, pressure vessel integration, and engine integration, while enforcing cleanliness and safety protocols.

You will collaborate with design engineers and technicians to increase build cadence, drive continuous improvement, and maintain quality across the propulsion hardware produced for our orbital vehicles.