Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Integration)

The role

You will orchestrate spacecraft final assembly by managing processes, sequences, and documentation. You will own integration procedures from subassembly mating through final closeout across multiple subsystems.

What you will do

• Own spacecraft integration sequences and procedures from subassembly mating through final vehicle closeout and acceptance
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve assembly travelers and integration work instructions
• Serve as the primary interface between manufacturing and all engineering disciplines during vehicle integration
• Identify and resolve interface conflicts, clearance issues, and assembly sequence problems
• Lead integration readiness reviews and ensure all pre-integration checkpoints are completed and documented
• Drive root cause analysis and RCCA for integration non-conformances
• Track integration metrics and implement targeted improvements
• Define tooling and lifting/handling equipment requirements

Required qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical or Systems Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience (typically 6–10+ years)
• 6+ years of experience in vehicle or system-level integration roles or final assembly within aerospace, defense, robotics or similar industries
• Strong understanding of how multiple subsystems (mechanical, electrical, fluid) interface within a vehicle assembly
• Experience developing and executing complex assembly or integration procedures
• Ability to manage competing priorities and make sound, real-time decisions on the production floor
• Exceptional communication and coordination skills across multi-discipline teams
• Must be physically able to regularly lift 25 lbs., bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods while working directly with flight hardware

Nice to have

• M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering specialized in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, Control Theory, or similar, or related discipline, or equivalent professional experience
• Experience as a lead integration engineer or integration ME on a launch vehicle, satellite, or spacecraft program
• Familiarity with integration and test (I&T) flows for complex aerospace vehicles, including functional testing at each integration milestone
• Background managing integration of flight hardware from multiple subsystem suppliers or internal teams into a single vehicle
• Experience with configuration management and build record documentation in a regulated aerospace environment
• Knowledge of cleanliness and contamination control requirements for propulsion, optical, or precision mechanism integration
• Hands-on experience with vehicle handling — cranes, slings, rotation fixtures, and precision alignment tooling
• Prior work in a manufacturing environment actively scaling from unit builds to multi-vehicle concurrent production
• Experience conducting integration readiness reviews, pre-mate inspections, and post-integration functional checkouts

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)
• Must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.

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.