Supply Chain Engineer - Mechanical

About VardaLow Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. Varda’s W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses.From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind. Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital. Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL. Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.About This RoleAs a Supply Chain Engineer - Mechanical focused, you'll be instrumental in ensuring the seamless integration of engineering and manufacturing capabilities with our supplier network. You'll collaborate closely with supply chain, engineering, and production teams to ensure that our suppliers can meet our rigorous standards and deliver components that align with our design specifications. This role will involve both hands-on evaluation of supplier processes and strategic initiatives to enhance supplier performance. You'll be responsible for assessing manufacturing capabilities, interpreting engineering drawings, and driving improvements that support our mission as we continue to innovate and expand. This is a full-time onsite role based in our El Segundo headquarters.ResponsibilitiesOwn supplier quality – create framework for Varda’s supplier quality programsCollaborate with engineering teams on new product introduction and R&D projects, providing Designed for Manufacturability (DFM) input and supplier selection throughout the development lifecycleWork closely with the supply chain team to evaluate potential suppliers, conduct supplier audits, and assess their capabilities, and quality control processesDefine and implement robust quality requirements for suppliers, including specifications, inspection and acceptance criteria, in collaboration with engineering and operations teamsBuild relationships with suppliers to drive continuous improvement of quality control processesInvestigate and resolve supplier quality issues through root cause analysis and corrective actionsParticipate in design reviews, risk assessments, and qualification activities to ensure supplier quality considerations are addressed during the product development lifecycleStay updated with industry trends, standards, and regulations related to supplier quality and manufacturing in the aerospace sector Basic QualificationsBachelor's degree in engineering or a related degree (mechanical, aerospace, electrical, etc.)3-6+ years of experience in supplier quality engineering, preferably in the aerospace, automotive, or high-performance engineering industriesDemonstrated fluency with machined parts, sheet metal, mechanisms, and structural hardware supplier experience (structures and payload mechanisms)Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with a keen attention to detailKnowledge of quality tools such as FMEA, DMAIC, 8D, etc.Understanding of engineering models and drawingsAbility to travel 25-50% of the time Preferred QualificationsExpert level knowledge in one or more commodities within the team's scope (*mechanical machining, propulsion systems, PCB/PCBA manufacturing, etc)Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, and enthusiasm for Varda’s spirit of innovation and drive for improving reliability in cutting-edge technologyProven ability to evaluate supplier capabilities, conduct audits, and drive continuous improvement of supplier quality control processesProficiency in quality management systems such as AS9100 or ISO 9001, and familiarity with other relevant quality standards and regulationsFamiliarity with space system components and materials, including *mechanical, electrical, and electronic components, and their associated quality requirementsThorough understanding of GD&T (ANSI Y14.5-2009 or 2018)Pay RangeBase Salary Range: Eng II: $119,000-139,000 Senior: $140,000-179,000Principal: $180,000-232,000 Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performanceYou will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards This role is on-sitein El Segundo, CABenefitsVarda offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial well‑being, and a high‑quality workplace experience. Below is an overview of what full‑time employees receive (at this time, interns receive a subset of benefits): Health & Wellness Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA optionsVoluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses 12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers) Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents Financial & Retirement Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)$20/pay period cell phone reimbursement Relocation support for new hires, if needed Workplace Experience & Perks Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrationsComplimentary EV chargingITAR RequirementsVarda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our policy is to only hire “U.S. persons” who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license.“US person” means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum).E-Verify StatementVarda Space Industries, Inc. 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.E-Verify Notice Right To Work NoticeRead moreRead moreVarda 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 always 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, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.