Senior Manufacturing Engineer (Propulsion) El Segundo, California, United States

Senior Manufacturing Engineer (Propulsion) About this role: As the Senior Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer at Varda, you will lead the scaling of manufacturing from bespoke vehicles to high‑volume production. Responsibilities Own end-to-end manufacturing processes for propulsion system production: valve assembly, tube fabrication, pressure vessel integration, and engine integration Develop and maintain work instructions, process traveler documents, and process specifications for high‑pressure fluid systems and propulsion hardware Provide technical direction to improve propulsion build processes and drive increased vehicle production cadence Implement and enforce propulsion‑specific cleanliness protocols, contamination control procedures, and propellant compatibility requirements Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions (RCCA) for propulsion non‑conformances, including leak events, contamination findings, and assembly defects Define tooling and test equipment requirements for tube shop operations, leak checks, and propulsion acceptance testing Collaborate with design engineers and supply chain to prevent schedule delays and resolve incoming hardware quality issues Refine propulsion work‑cell layouts and product flow to support cadence increase and concurrent vehicle builds Basic Qualifications B.S. in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or a related discipline (or equivalent professional experience, typically 3–6+ years) 3+ 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; able to diagnose propulsion build defects and drive corrective action to closure Must be physically able to regularly lift 25 lbs., bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods while working directly with flight hardware Preferred Skills and Experience M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering specialized in Fluid Mechanics, Process Engineering, or a related discipline Experience manufacturing and assembling propulsion systems for launch vehicles, spacecraft, or hypersonic vehicles, including valve assembly and pressure vessel integration 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 welding, orbital welding, machining, and additive manufacturing relevant to propulsion systems Experience with NDE, including ultrasonic testing, dye penetrant, x‑ray and others Prior work transitioning propulsion assemblies from development to production environments with increasing build rate Familiarity with hazardous materials handling and safety protocols associated with propellant loading and propulsion acceptance testing Pay Range $140,333 – $179,314 per year (senior level) On‑site in El Segundo, CA Base salary based on skills, education, experience, and performance Eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long‑term cash awards Benefits Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays 100 % company‑paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance for employees and dependents with FSA and employer‑matched HSA options Optional accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses 12 weeks parental leave (plus supplemental disability leave for CA mothers) Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and dependents Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start‑up 401(k) retirement plan with 6 % employer match (immediately vested) $20 per 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 celebrations Complimentary EV charging Dog‑friendly office space Eligibility Must be a U.S. person (citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by U.S. law) E-Verify Statement Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E‑Verify program. Equal Opportunity 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 always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance and 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Varda Space Industries, Inc.