Principal Manufacturing Engineer; Payloads

About Varda

Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in‑orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable reentry capsules. Our W‑Series vehicles, built, designed, and operated in‑house, include pharmaceutical payloads, capsules, C‑PICA heat shields, and satellite buses. From life‑saving pharmaceuticals to advanced fiber optics, Varda’s commerce focuses on products that can only be manufactured in space, expanding the economic bounds of humankind.

As the Principal Payloads Manufacturing Engineer, you will own the manufacturing and integration processes for mission‑critical payload systems that define our reentry capsules. 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. You will interface with external payload customers, internal design teams, and the vehicle integration team to ensure every payload is ready to fly.

• Own end‑to‑end manufacturing and assembly processes for Varda payload systems, including pharmaceutical hardware, experiment modules, and customer‑furnished 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 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.

• 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.

• 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…