Manufacturing Engineer -Structure

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Varda Space is seeking a Structures Manufacturing Engineer in El Segundo to own production processes for composite structures and bonded panels. This role translates design intent into scalable manufacturing, requiring wet layup, prepreg, autoclave or oven cure, tooling, and work instructions. You’ll provide DFM feedback, enforce cleanliness and FOD controls, lead root-cause investigations, and help scale production. Basic: a BS in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Engineering and 3–6 years in aerospace manufacturing with composites; preferred: NDE, bonding, CAD tooling. On-site in El Segundo at Eng II or Senior level depending on experience, with equity and relocation support. To apply, emphasize improvements, reduced rework, cross-functional collaboration, hands-on capability, and safety awareness.

About This Role

As a Structures Manufacturing Engineer at Varda, you will own the manufacturing processes for primary and secondary structural assemblies that form the backbone of our reentry capsules and spacecraft. From composite layup and cure operations to machined metallic substructures and bonded panel assemblies, you will bridge the gap between structural design intent and production reality. You will work shoulder-to-shoulder with structural design engineers and a skilled technician team to drive process discipline, eliminate rework, and steadily increase vehicle build cadence. This is a hands-on role for someone who understands how parts are actually made — not just how they are designed — and who is energized by the challenge of scaling a complex aerospace manufacturing operation. This role is open at the L2 and Senior level, with levels determined based on candidate experience.

Responsibilities

• Own manufacturing processes for composite structures (wet layup, prepreg, autoclave/oven cure), machined metallic components, and bonded assemblies
• Develop and maintain detailed work instructions, process specifications, and manufacturing travelers for all structural build operations
• Provide DFM feedback to structural design engineers on composite part design, tooling accessibility, bond joint design, and fastener patterns
• Implement and enforce cleanliness, FOD prevention, and contamination control procedures for composite and bonded structure operations
• Lead non-conformance investigations and root cause corrective actions for structural build defects, including delaminations, bond failures, and dimensional discrepancies
• Define and procure tooling — layup mandrels, bond fixtures, drill jigs, assembly fixtures — required to support production scaling
• Refine floor layouts and product flow for structural subassembly work cells to reduce travel time and improve throughput
• Coordinate with supply chain on incoming material inspection requirements for composite materials, adhesives, and structural raw stock

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace, or Materials Engineering, or a related discipline, with consideration given to equivalent professional experience (typically 3–6+ years)
• 3+ years of manufacturing experience with aerospace structural assemblies — composites, machined metals, or bonded structures
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with composite fabrication processes: wet layup, prepreg, vacuum bagging, autoclave/oven cure
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T callouts, and structural assembly models
• Experience writing and maintaining manufacturing process documentation and work instructions
• Strong problem-solving skills; able to diagnose structural build defects and drive corrective action through to closure
• Must be physically able to regularly lift 25 lbs., bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods while working directly with hardware

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience manufacturing primary flight structures for launch vehicles, satellites, or reentry systems
• Familiarity with composite NDE methods (ultrasonic inspection, thermography) and their role in production quality gates
• Hands-on experience with bonded joint manufacturing, surface preparation, and adhesive cure processes
• Background in transitioning structural assemblies from R&D/prototype to rate production, including tooling qualification
• Knowledge of aerospace structural materials: CFRP, GFRP, aluminum alloys, titanium, and steel in a manufacturing context
• Experience with 3D CAD tools (CATIA, SolidWorks, NX) for tooling design and assembly model review
• Familiarity with first article inspection (FAI) processes and FAIR documentation requirements
• Prior experience at a new-space or defense prime where structural production cadence was actively being increased

Pay Range

• Salary Range: 
• Eng II: $119,543-$152,749
• Senior: $140,333-$179,314
• This role is on-site in 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