B.S. in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related discipline; equivalent experience considered (3-6+ years)
3+ years of manufacturing experience with propulsion or fluid systems in aerospace or related fields
Hands-on experience with tube fabrication and high-pressure fluid system assembly
Familiarity with propulsion cleanliness requirements and contamination control procedures
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and assembly models
Strong problem-solving skills for diagnosing and resolving build defects
Physical capability to lift 25 lbs. and work with flight hardware
Responsibilities
Own end-to-end manufacturing processes for propulsion systems including valve assembly and engine integration
Develop and maintain work instructions and process specifications for high-pressure fluid systems
Provide technical direction to enhance propulsion build processes and increase production cadence
Implement cleanliness protocols and contamination control procedures for propulsion systems
Lead root cause analysis for propulsion non-conformances and drive corrective actions
Define tooling and test equipment requirements for propulsion acceptance testing
Collaborate with design engineers and supply chain to resolve hardware quality issues
Refine work cell layouts to support increased vehicle production
Benefits
On-site role in El Segundo, CA
Eligibility for stock options and/or long-term cash awards
Full Job Description
About This Role
As 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: $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
