Supply Chain Engineer - Avionics/Electro-Mechanical

About the role

This role is full-time and based in Varda’s El Segundo headquarters.

Responsibilities

• Own supplier quality – create framework for Varda’s supplier quality programs
• Supplier-facing work specifically on avionics commodities: PCBAs, wire harnesses, connectors, avionics boxes – including full avionics assembly
• Collaborate with engineering teams on new product introduction and R&D projects, providing Designed for Manufacturability (DFM) input and supplier selection throughout the development lifecycle
• Work closely with the supply chain team to evaluate potential suppliers, conduct supplier audits, and assess their capabilities, and quality control processes
• Define and implement robust quality requirements for suppliers, including specifications, inspection and acceptance criteria, in collaboration with engineering and operations teams
• Build relationships with suppliers to drive continuous improvement of quality control processes
• Investigate and resolve supplier quality issues through root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and qualification activities to ensure supplier quality considerations are addressed during the product development lifecycle
• Stay updated with industry trends, standards, and regulations related to supplier quality and manufacturing in the aerospace sector

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related degree (electrical, mechanical, aerospace, etc.)
• 3-6+ years of experience in supplier quality engineering, preferably in the aerospace, automotive, or high-performance engineering industries
• Demonstrated fluency with avionics hardware experience at the box, harness, or board level
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with a keen attention to detail
• Knowledge of quality tools such as FMEA, DMAIC, 8D, etc.
• Understanding of engineering models and drawings
• Ability to travel 25-50% of the time

Preferred Qualifications

• Expert level knowledge in one or more commodities within the team's scope (*PCB/PCBA manufacturing, mechanical machining, propulsion systems, etc)
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, and enthusiasm for Varda’s spirit of innovation and drive for improving reliability in cutting-edge technology
• Proven ability to evaluate supplier capabilities, conduct audits, and drive continuous improvement of supplier quality control processes
• Proficiency in quality management systems such as AS9100 or ISO 9001, and familiarity with other relevant quality standards and regulations
• Familiarity with space system components and materials, including *electrical, *electronic components, mechanical and their associated quality requirements
• Thorough understanding of GD&T (ANSI Y14.5-2009 or 2018) for chassis/enclosure and harness routing in this domain
• IPC-A-610 or IPC-J-STD familiarity

Pay

Base Salary Range: Eng II: $119,000-139,000 Senior: $140,000-179,000 Principal: $180,000-232,000

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

This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA

Benefits

• 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
• 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
• Complimentary EV charging
• Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations

ITAR Requirements

Varda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our policy is to only hire “U.S. persons” who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license.

“US person” means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum).

E-Verify Statement

Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.

E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice

Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.