Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Payloads)

The role

You will own the manufacturing and integration processes for mission-critical payload systems. You will translate design requirements into production processes and work hands-on with technicians to build and verify payloads.

What you will do

• Own end-to-end manufacturing and assembly processes for Varda payload systems
• Develop and maintain detailed work instructions, assembly travelers, process specifications, and acceptance test procedures
• Serve as the primary manufacturing interface for payload customers
• Implement contamination control, cleanliness, and handling protocols
• Collaborate with payload design engineers to provide DFM and DFA feedback
• Define and execute payload acceptance testing, functional verification checkouts, and pre-integration inspections
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for payload non-conformances
• Coordinate payload integration milestones with the vehicle integration team

Required qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical, Biomedical Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience (typically 6–10+ years)
• 6+ years of experience manufacturing or integrating complex and compact electromechanical assemblies, scientific instruments, or payload systems in aerospace, defense, biomedical, or research environm
• Demonstrated experience building and integrating precision hardware to tight tolerances and exacting cleanliness requirements
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, ICDs, and assembly models
• Familiarity with GD&T and interface requirement management
• Experience developing and executing assembly procedures and acceptance test plans for multi-functional hardware assemblies
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Must be physically able to regularly lift 25 lbs., bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods

Nice to have

• M.S. degree in Mechanical engineering specialized in Fluid Mechanics, Biomedical Engineering, or related discipline
• Experience manufacturing or integrating spacecraft payloads, scientific instruments, or hosted payload modules for LEO, GEO, or deep space missions
• Familiarity with pharmaceutical or bioprocessing hardware manufacturing requirements, including GMP considerations and contamination control protocols
• Background managing payload customer relationships from hardware delivery through integration, verification, and launch readiness
• Experience with ICD management and interface verification processes for payload-to-spacecraft integration
• Knowledge of microgravity experiment hardware design considerations and their manufacturing implications
• Familiarity with environmental testing (thermal vacuum, vibration, shock)
• Experience working in or adjacent to a cleanroom environment (ISO Class 7 or better)
• Prior work at a company developing commercial space services with a direct end-user product

Benefits

• Stock options
• Long-term cash awards

Before you apply

• Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual)
• Varda participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program

About the company

Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. The company is headquartered in El Segundo, California.