Manufacturing Engineer (Integration)

Manufacturing Engineer (integration) Location: El Segundo, California, United States Compensation: $109,000 - 179,000 USD per year Job Tags: Hardware About This Role As an Integration Manufacturing Engineer at Varda, you will utilize your experience to scale manufacturing from a few bespoke vehicles to many consistent, concurrent builds. This role supports full vehicle integration production across structural, avionics, propulsion, and TPS assembly sequences. The Integration ME owns the build flow that brings every subsystem together into a flight‑ready reentry capsule. Manufacturing Engineers play a vital role in increasing Varda’s build cadence by working directly with design engineers and technicians on processes for structures, thermal protection systems, propulsion, and avionics components. The focus is to implement incremental improvements for every vehicle Varda produces. Responsibilities Provide technical direction to improve build processes to scale and increase vehicle cadence Collaborate with other engineers and technicians to solve large‑scale production challenges Refine floor layouts, capacity models, and product flow analysis Develop and implement standardized processes for vehicle integration Assess cost of increasing work cell capabilities and propose plans to enhance internal capabilities Proactively coordinate with technicians and supply chain to prevent schedule delays Review work instructions and recommend changes, identify tooling and training gaps Identify and resolve non‑conformance issues and implement root‑cause corrective actions Basic Qualifications B.S. degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or aerospace engineering 1‑4+ years of manufacturing experience Strong teamwork, communication, and problem‑solving skills in a collaborative environment Proven experience on complex technical programs, preferably in aerospace or related industries Strong first‑principles thinking Hands‑on experience building complex vehicles Physically able to regularly lift 25 lbs and comfortable bending, stooping, and standing; hands‑on position may require standing and working directly with hardware on the floor Preferred Skills and Experience Knowledge of aerospace vehicle systems Experience with project management across the full lifecycle of a project Experience transitioning complex assemblies from development to production, including developing factory systems and floor layouts Experience with aerospace hardware development practices (e.g., qualification testing, cleanliness, ESD, grounding) Experience across structures, propulsion, materials/thermal protection systems, and/or avionics production Prior work in a technical role for a launch vehicle or satellite development effort Experience with tooling design and analysis using 3D CAD software Experience using factory layout design tools (SketchUp, Autodesk, Draw.io) Pay Range Salary Range: Eng I/II $109,000‑139,000; Senior $140,000‑179,000 Role is on‑site in El Segundo, CA Leveling and base salary determined by job‑related skills, education level, experience, and performance Eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long‑term cash awards ITAR Requirements Only U.S. persons (citizens, lawful permanent residents, protected individuals) may be hired for positions with access to export‑controlled items Employees must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Benefits Equity in a fully funded space startup with potential for significant growth (interns excluded) 401(k) matching (interns excluded) Unlimited PTO (interns excluded) Health insurance, including vision and dental Lunch and snacks provided on site daily; dinners provided twice a week Maternity/Paternity leave (interns excluded) Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status. Varda Space Industries participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E‑Verify program. The E‑Verify program is an Internet‑based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E‑Verify program. #J-18808-Ljbffr jobs.frontdoordefense.com - Jobboard