Spacecraft Manufacturing Integration Lead

vardaspace; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Varda seeks a Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Integration) in El Segundo to orchestrate final spacecraft assembly across structures, propulsion, avionics, and TPS. You will own integration procedures from subassembly mating to flight-readiness, ensuring safety, schedule and quality on the factory floor.

The role demands exceptional situational awareness, rigorous process discipline, and the ability to resolve subsystem conflicts in real time while coordinating with engineering and

Qualifications

• BS or higher in Mechanical or Systems Engineering or related field.
• 6+ years in vehicle or system-level integration or final assembly in aerospace/defense/robotics.
• Experience developing and executing complex assembly or integration procedures.
• Strong ability to manage competing priorities and make real-time decisions on the factory floor.
• Excellent communication and coordination across multi-discipline teams.

Responsibilities

• Own spacecraft integration sequences and procedures from subassembly mating through final vehicle closeout and acceptance.
• Develop and maintain assembly travelers and integration work instructions that sequence all subsystem interfaces.
• Serve as primary interface between manufacturing and all engineering disciplines during vehicle integration.
• Identify and resolve interface conflicts, clearance issues, and sequence problems before they impact schedule.
• Lead integration readiness reviews and ensure 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 and implement improvements to hit cadence goals.
• Define tooling and handling equipment requirements for safe vehicle integration operations.

Skills

Subsystem integration

Cross-functional coordination

Documentation & procedures

On-floor decision making

Mechanical aptitude

Education

B.S. in Mechanical or Systems Engineering

Job description

Varda seeks a Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Integration) in El Segundo to orchestrate final spacecraft assembly across structures, propulsion, avionics, and TPS. You will own integration procedures from subassembly mating to flight-readiness, ensuring safety, schedule and quality on the factory floor.

The role demands exceptional situational awareness, rigorous process discipline, and the ability to resolve subsystem conflicts in real time while coordinating with engineering and