TPS Manufacturing Engineer: Reentry Heat Shield Expert

Front Door Defense; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 179,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Long-term cash awards

Relocation support

Fully stocked kitchen

Job summary

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA, is seeking a Thermal Protection System (TPS) Manufacturing Engineer to own and optimize the ablative and insulative materials used on reentry capsules. You will lead process development, ensure bond strength and thermal performance, and work closely with TPS design engineers to improve manufacturability.

The role requires deep materials processing expertise, experience with TPS materials, and the ability to create robust production processes.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Materials Science, Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, or Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent experience (3–6+ years).
• 3+ years manufacturing experience with TPS, composite materials, or bonding in aerospace/defense.
• Hands-on experience with ablative or reusable TPS materials (PICA, AVCOAT, SLA‑561, tiles).
• Experience with adhesive bonding, surface prep, and cure cycle control for TPS bonds.

Responsibilities

• Own TPS manufacturing processes: tile/panel prep, bonding, densification, closeout operations.
• Develop and maintain work instructions, process travelers, specs for TPS fabrication/installation.
• Implement surface prep, adhesive application, and cure cycle procedures for bond strength.

Skills

Aerospace manufacturing

Bonding process control

GD&T reading

Engineering drawings

Education

B.S. in Materials Science

Tools

Ablative material processing

Surface preparation methods

Cure cycle control

Job description

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA, is seeking a Thermal Protection System (TPS) Manufacturing Engineer to own and optimize the ablative and insulative materials used on reentry capsules. You will lead process development, ensure bond strength and thermal performance, and work closely with TPS design engineers to improve manufacturability.

The role requires deep materials processing expertise, experience with TPS materials, and the ability to create robust production processes.