Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Propulsion)

The role

The Principal Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer owns end-to-end manufacturing processes for propulsion system production. This role supports valve assembly, tube fabrication, pressure vessel integration, and engine integration to increase vehicle production cadence.

What you will do

• Own end-to-end manufacturing processes for propulsion system production
• Develop and maintain work instructions, process traveler documents, and process specifications
• Provide technical direction to improve propulsion build processes
• Implement and enforce propulsion-specific cleanliness protocols and contamination control
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for propulsion non-conformances
• Define tooling and test equipment requirements
• Collaborate with design engineers and supply chain to resolve hardware quality issues
• Refine propulsion work cell layouts and product flow

Required qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience (typically 6–10+ years)
• 6+ years of manufacturing experience with propulsion systems, fluid systems, or high-pressure hardware in aerospace or a related industry
• Hands-on experience with tube fabrication, tube bending, tube fitting installation, and high-pressure fluid system assembly
• Familiarity with propulsion system cleanliness requirements, cleanliness verification methods, and contamination control procedures
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, P&IDs, and assembly models for fluid systems
• Strong first principles problem-solving capability
• 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, Process Engineering, or related discipline
• Experience manufacturing and assembling propulsion systems for launch vehicles, spacecraft, or hypersonic vehicles
• Experience with high pressure fluid systems testing, or qualification of assemblies including energetics and explosives
• Experience with materials including metals, composites, and plastics for use in propulsion systems
• Experience with manufacturing methods including welding, orbital welding, machining and additive manufacturing
• Experience with NDE, including ultrasonic testing, dye penetrant, xray and others
• Prior work transitioning propulsion assemblies from development to production environments

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.