Build Reliability Engineer

Varda Space Industries • El Segundo, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind. Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital. Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL. Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem. About This Role Varda is seeking a Build Reliability Engineer to partner closely with the design and manufacturing teams to scale the production of spacecraft hardware . Build Reliability Engineers ensure production processes yield verified, reliable hardware at rate.  At Varda, you will have the unique opportunity to innovate and establish new processes as we scale manufacturing across multiple vehicle programs .  You will flex beyond Build Reliability to support Quality, Flight Reliability, and Mission Assurance.  The ideal candidate is a capable, process , and systems oriented engineer.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical, manufacturing, mechanical, or material sciences engineering
• Experience generating, processing, and/or analyzing data for production insight
• Experience troubleshooting complex engineering issues, performing root cause and corrective action investigations, and implementing corrective actions
• Strong computer skills with demonstrated ability in a programming language
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, with a drive to innovate and improve reliability in cutting-edge technology

Nice To Haves

• Full project lifecycle ownership experience (cradle-to-grave)
• Proficiency with quality tools such as measurement systems analysis, design of experiments, statistical process control, root cause analysis and corrective action, advanced product quality planning (APQP), metrology, process failure mode and effects analysis (PFMEA), control plans, and various problem-solving approaches
• Hands-on knowledge of CNC machining, additive manufacturing, casting, welding, fastening, or other special manufacturing processes
• Commitment to lean quality principles without compromising safety or reliability

Responsibilities

• Partner with design engineering and manufacturing teams to create test, manufacturability, and inspection plans for all vehicle hardware.
• Contain suspect or known non-conforming product, providing guidance to quality inspectors, technicians, shop supervisors, and engineers.
• Perform failure modes and effects analyses, build requirements compliance matrix tools, and ensure adequate test coverage, change management, and manufacturability of flight hardware.
• Support vehicle level deliverables for regulatory bodies including requirements compliance, functional or flight hazard analyses, and verification evidence.
• Support Mission Assurance's vehicle level risk management and identification / tracking / execution of mitigations.

Benefits

• Equity in a fully funded space startup with potential for significant growth (interns excluded)
• 401(k) matching (interns excluded)
• Unlimited PTO (interns excluded)
• Health insurance, including Vision and Dental
• Lunch and snacks provided on site every day.
• Dinners provided twice a week.
• Maternity / Paternity leave (interns excluded)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level