About This RoleAs the
Senior Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer at Varda, you will have the opportunity to utilize your experience to scale manufacturing from a few bespoke vehicles to many consistent, concurrent builds. This role supports propulsion system production, including valve assembly, tube fabrication, pressure vessel integration, and engine integration. The Propulsion ME owns manufacturing processes for high-pressure fluid systems and propulsion hardware from tube shop operations through acceptance testing. Manufacturing Engineers are a vital part of increasing Varda's build cadence, working directly with design engineers and technicians across the full range of processes required to manufacture our vehicles. The focus of the job is to implement incremental improvement for every vehicle Varda produces.
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, with consideration given to 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 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 manufacturing methods relevant to propulsion systems, including welding, orbital welding, machining and additive manufacturing.
- Experience with NDE, including ultrasonic testing, dye penetrant, xray 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- 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
