Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Structures

• ◆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

for composite materials, adhesives, and structural raw stock

Basic

• ✓B.S. in Mechanical or Materials Engineering, or a related discipline, with consideration given to equivalent professional experience (typically 3–6+ 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

• ✓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

• ✓Prior experience at a new-space or defense prime where structural production cadence was actively being increased

Varda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the Uni