Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Avionics / Electromechanical / Harnessing)

About the role

Varda is a space infrastructure company focused on developing commercial space solutions. The Principal Manufacturing Engineer will oversee the manufacturing and assembly processes for Varda’s spacecraft, particularly focusing on electromechanical assemblies.

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
• Cook up payload integration milestones with the vehicle integration team, ensuring payload readiness gates align with overall vehicle build schedule

Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline, with consideration given to equivalent professional experience (typically 6–10+ years)
• 6+ years of experience manufacturing experience with electromechanical assemblies in electronics, aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability industries
• Demonstrated experience with wire harness fabrication, IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards, and connector assembly (e.g., D-sub, circular MIL-spec, coax)
• Strong first principles thinking — able to trace a build defect to its root cause and design a durable fix as applied to electrical and mechanical problems relevant for avionics and Electromechanical assembly
• Experience reading and interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and connector pinouts
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills; comfortable working directly with technicians on the production floor
• Must be physically able to regularly lift 25 lbs., bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods

Preferred Skills and Experience

• M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering specialized in Embedded Systems, Microelectronics, RF or Control Systems or related discipline
• Experience with spacecraft or launch vehicle electromechanical integration in a production (not just prototype) environment
• Familiarity with ESD control practices, grounding/bonding requirements, and cleanliness protocols for flight hardware
• Experience writing or revising work instructions and MRB dispositions for electromechanical non-conformances
• Knowledge of cable routing in complex vehicle structures with thermal, vibration, and EMI constraints
• Hands-on experience with automated wire processing equipment or harness board tooling
• Background in transitioning electromechanical assemblies from engineering development to rate production
• Experience with PDM/PLM systems (e.g., Windchill, Teamcenter, Arena) for configuration control of electrical BOMs
• Prior work at a small-to-mid-size aerospace company where you wore multiple hats and owned outcomes end-to-end

Benefits

Varda offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and flexible PTO policies, as well as 12 weeks of parental leave and wellness reimbursement. Employees are also eligible for a 401(k) retirement plan with a 6% employer match and a substantial incentive equity package.

ITAR Requirements

Varda requires its employees to be U.S. persons and comply with ITAR regulations.

E-Verify Statement

Varda participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.