About This RoleAs the
Senior Manufacturing Engineer (Integration) at Varda, you will be the central orchestrator of spacecraft final assembly - responsible for the processes, sequence, and documentation that bring every subsystem together into a complete, flight-ready vehicle. You will own integration procedures from subassembly mating through final closeout, working at the convergence of structures, propulsion, avionics, and TPS to ensure every build is executed accurately, safely, and on schedule. This role demands exceptional situational awareness, meticulous attention to process discipline, and the confidence to resolve conflicts between subsystems in real time on the factory floor. If you thrive on complexity and find satisfaction in watching a spacecraft come together under your direction, this is the role for you.
Responsibilities- 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 that sequence all subsystem interfaces correctly
- Serve as the primary interface between manufacturing and all engineering disciplines (structures, propulsion, avionics, TPS) during vehicle integration
- Identify and resolve interface conflicts, clearance issues, and assembly sequence problems before they impact build schedule
- Lead integration readiness reviews and ensure all pre-integration checkpoints - cleanliness, FOD sweeps, torque records, pin-to-pin checks - are completed and documented
- Drive root cause analysis and RCCA for integration non-conformances; disposition MRBs in coordination with design engineering
- Track integration metrics (planned vs. actual cycle time, NCR rates, rework hours) and implement targeted improvements to hit cadence goals
- Define tooling and lifting/handling equipment requirements for safe vehicle integration operations
Basic Qualifications- B.S. in Mechanical or Systems Engineering, or a related discipline, with consideration given to equivalent professional experience (typically 3-6+ years)
- 3+ 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
Preferred Skills and Experience- M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering specialized in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, Control Theory, or similar, or related discipline, with consideration given to 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
Pay Range- Salary Range: Senior: $140,333-$179,314/per year
- This role is on-sitein El Segundo, CA
- Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
- You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards
BenefitsVarda 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 options
- Voluntary 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 celebrations
- Complimentary EV charging
- Dog-friendly office space
