Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Payloads)

About This Role

As the Principal Payloads Manufacturing Engineer at Varda, you will own the manufacturing and integration processes for the mission-critical payload systems that define what Varda's reentry capsules actually do in space. Varda's payloads — including pharmaceutical processing hardware, microgravity experiment modules, and government and commercial customer systems — represent the core value proposition of every mission. You will translate payload design requirements into production-ready assembly processes, develop rigorous work instructions, and work hands-on with technicians to ensure payloads are built, integrated, and verified to the highest standards of quality and cleanliness. This role demands both technical breadth and meticulous process discipline: you will interface with external payload customers, internal design teams, and the vehicle integration team to ensure every payload is ready to fly. If you are driven by the idea that what you manufacture will directly enable life-saving pharmaceuticals or cutting-edge scientific research in microgravity, this role is for you. 

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end manufacturing and assembly processes for Varda payload systems, including pharmaceutical processing hardware, experiment modules, and customer-furnished payload equipment
• Develop and maintain detailed work instructions, assembly travelers, process specifications, and acceptance test procedures for payload fabrication and integration operations
• Serve as the primary manufacturing interface for payload customers, translating customer requirements and ICD (Interface Control Document) constraints into executable production processes
• Implement contamination control, cleanliness, and handling protocols appropriate for sensitive payload hardware, including pharmaceutical-grade and precision optical components
• Collaborate with payload design engineers to provide DFM and DFA feedback on assembly accessibility, connector placement, thermal interface design, and testability
• Define and execute payload acceptance testing, functional verification checkouts, and pre-integration inspections; maintain complete and traceable build records
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for payload non-conformances; coordinate MRB dispositions with design engineering and, where applicable, payload customers
• Coordinate payload integration milestones with the vehicle integration team, ensuring payload readiness gates align with overall vehicle build schedule

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical, Biomedical Engineering, or a related discipline, with consideration given to equivalent professional experience (typically 6–10+ years)
• 6+ years of experience manufacturing or integrating complex and compact electromechanical assemblies, scientific instruments, or payload systems in aerospace, defense, biomedical, or research environments
• Demonstrated experience building and integrating precision hardware to tight tolerances and exacting cleanliness requirements
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, ICDs, and assembly models; familiarity with GD&T and interface requirement management
• Experience developing and executing assembly procedures and acceptance test plans for multi-functional hardware assemblies
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable interfacing directly with customers and cross-functional internal 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 specialized in Fluid Mechanics, Biomedical Engineering, or related discipline
• Experience manufacturing or integrating spacecraft payloads, scientific instruments, or hosted payload modules for LEO, GEO, or deep space missions
• Familiarity with pharmaceutical or bioprocessing hardware manufacturing requirements, including GMP considerations and contamination control protocols relevant to in-space drug manufacturing
• Background managing payload customer relationships from hardware delivery through integration, verification, and launch readiness
• Experience with ICD management and interface verification processes for payload-to-spacecraft integration
• Knowledge of microgravity experiment hardware design considerations and their manufacturing implications
• Familiarity with environmental testing (thermal vacuum, vibration, shock) as it applies to payload hardware acceptance and qualification
• Experience working in or adjacent to a cleanroom environment (ISO Class 7 or better) for integration of sensitive flight payloads
• Prior work at a company developing commercial space services with a direct end-user product — pharmaceutical, government, or research — where manufacturing quality directly impacted mission outcome

Pay Range

• Salary Range: Principal: $181,913- $232,444/per year
• 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