TPS Manufacturing Engineer – Reentry Heat Shield Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan with 6% match

Relocation assistance

Stock options

Job summary

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA seeks a Thermal Protection System (TPS) Manufacturing Engineer to own ablative and insulative heatshield production for reentry capsules. Develop and maintain processes, travelers, and specs to ensure reliable TPS performance.

Ideal candidates have 3–6+ years in aerospace TPS manufacturing and bonding, with hands-on experience in TPS materials, surface prep, and quality verification.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Materials Science, Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, or Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of manufacturing experience in TPS, composites, or advanced bonding.
• Hands-on with ablative or reusable TPS materials (PICA, AVCOAT, tiles, etc.).
• Experience reading engineering drawings and GD&T for complex geometries.
• Experience writing and maintaining manufacturing process docs.
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs and stand for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Own TPS production processes: tile/panel prep, bonding, densification, closeout.
• Create and maintain work instructions, process travelers, specs.
• Implement surface prep, adhesive application, cure cycles.
• Provide DFM feedback on tile geometry and tooling access.
• Define inspection methods for TPS bonds and finishes.
• Lead root-cause and corrective actions for TPS issues.
• Set environmental controls for TPS materials storage.
• Evaluate TPS tooling and fixtures procurement.

Skills

Materials science

Aerospace manufacturing

TPS bonding

GD&T

Engineering drawings

Process documentation

Physical stamina

Education

B.S. in Materials Science or related engineering

Tools

Measurement tools

Process travelers

Job description

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA seeks a Thermal Protection System (TPS) Manufacturing Engineer to own ablative and insulative heatshield production for reentry capsules. Develop and maintain processes, travelers, and specs to ensure reliable TPS performance.

Ideal candidates have 3–6+ years in aerospace TPS manufacturing and bonding, with hands-on experience in TPS materials, surface prep, and quality verification.