Space Process Engineer, FMEA & Manufacturability
Overview
You'll own production process reliability for spacecraft hardware at Varda, scaling from prototype to sustained orbital manufacturing. You'll partner with design and manufacturing teams to embed manufacturability and testability into every component, from pharmaceutical payloads to reentry capsules. Your work will drive FMEA, inspection plans, and root cause analysis that keep production flowing. This role flexes across quality, mission assurance, and flight reliability, giving you end-to-end visibility. You'll join a team of veterans from SpaceX and Blue Origin, building the infrastructure for in-space manufacturing.
What You'll Do7
- 1Create test, manufacturability, and inspection plans for all vehicle hardware in partnership with design and manufacturing teams.
- 2Contain non-conforming product by guiding quality inspectors, technicians, and engineers on disposition and corrective actions.
- 3Lead failure investigations in production, test, and operation, identifying and mitigating root causes to reduce risk.
- 4Perform peer review of hardware during design reviews and acceptance test campaigns, using FMEA to validate coverage.
- 5Build requirements compliance matrices and ensure adequate test coverage and change management for flight hardware.
- 6Own vehicle-level deliverables for regulatory bodies, including requirements compliance and hazard analyses.
- 7Support mission assurance by tracking risks and executing mitigations across the vehicle lifecycle.
Requirements9
- 13+ years in aerospace, design, quality, or related engineering roles.
- 2Bachelor's degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical, manufacturing, mechanical, or materials engineering.
- 3Demonstrated application of process controls in high-volume manufacturing, test, or quality environments.
- 4Strong computer skills with demonstrated ability in a programming language (e.g., Python, SQL).
- 5Experience generating, processing, and analyzing production data for insight.
- 6Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with a drive to innovate in cutting-edge technology.
- 7Preferred: Full project lifecycle ownership from concept to production.
- 8Preferred: Proficiency with quality tools like PFMEA, SPC, and DOE.
- 9Preferred: Hands-on knowledge of CNC machining, additive manufacturing, or welding.
Salary Insight
$109 - $152k per year
Location
Required Skills
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