Manufacturing Engineer II (Structures)

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 and materials issues, including dimensional discrepancies and tolerance stackups, coating failures or damage to structure or protective coatings
• Define and procure tooling — 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 or Materials Engineering, or a related discipline, with consideration given to equivalent professional experience (typically 1–3+ years)
• 3+ years of manufacturing experience with structural assembly or manufacturing — Riveted or welded structures, machined metals, or composites and bonded structures
• Strong understanding of structural static loads analysis, mechanical properties of materials and processes used to assemble riveted and bolted structures.
• Hands-on experience assembling and fabricating structural assemblies, such as welding, adhesive bonding, or riveting.
• 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
• M.S. degree in Mechanical engineering specialized in Materials Science, Structural Analysis, or related discipline, with consideration given to equivalent professional experience
• Experience manufacturing primary flight structures for launch vehicles, satellites, or reentry systems
• Familiarity and strong understanding of dynamic and vibrational loads analysis
• Background in transitioning structural assemblies from R&D/prototype to rate production, including tooling qualification
• Knowledge of and familiarity with the manufacture of aerospace structural materials like 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/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

Benefits

• Varda 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

ITAR Requirements

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