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Salary: USD 109,148 - 179,314 / annual
Varda Space Industries is accelerating commercial space infrastructure development, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reentry capsules. The company designs, builds, and operates its W-Series vehicles in-house, including pharmaceutical processing payloads, capsules, heat shields, and satellite buses. Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, CA, with additional offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.
As a Supply Chain Engineer, you will be instrumental in ensuring seamless integration of engineering and manufacturing capabilities with Varda's supplier network. You will collaborate closely with supply chain, engineering, and production teams to ensure suppliers meet rigorous standards and deliver components aligned with design specifications. This role combines hands-on supplier process evaluation with strategic initiatives to enhance supplier performance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Own supplier quality and create frameworks for Varda's supplier quality programs
- Conduct supplier-facing work on propulsion systems (fluid system hardware: pressurized components, tubing, fittings, seals, valves, instrumentation) OR mechanical components (machined parts, sheet metal, mechanisms, structural hardware)
- Collaborate with engineering teams on new product introduction and R&D projects, providing Designed for Manufacturability (DFM) input and supplier selection throughout development
- Evaluate potential suppliers, conduct audits, and assess capabilities and quality control processes
- Define and implement robust quality requirements including specifications, inspection, and acceptance criteria
- Build supplier relationships 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
- Stay updated with industry trends, standards, and regulations in aerospace supplier quality and manufacturing
This is a full-time, on-site role based in El Segundo headquarters. Travel 25-50% of the time is required.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field (mechanical, aerospace, electrical, etc.)
- 3-6+ years of experience in supplier quality engineering, preferably in aerospace, automotive, or high-performance engineering industries
- Deep working knowledge of either: (1) fluid system hardware (pressurized components, tubing, fittings, seals, valves, instrumentation) OR (2) machined parts, sheet metal, mechanisms, and structural hardware supplier experience
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with keen attention to detail
- Knowledge of quality tools such as FMEA, DMAIC, 8D
- Understanding of engineering models and drawings
- Ability to travel 25-50% of the time
Preferred Qualifications:
- Expert-level knowledge in one or more commodities (propulsion systems, PCB/PCBA manufacturing, mechanical machining)
- Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with enthusiasm for innovation and reliability improvement
- Proven ability to evaluate supplier capabilities, conduct audits, and drive continuous improvement
- Proficiency in quality management systems such as AS9100 or ISO 9001
- Familiarity with space system components and materials and their quality requirements
- Thorough understanding of GD&T (ANSI Y14.5-2009 or 2018)
ITAR Requirement: Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or individual admitted as refugee/granted asylum) due to access to export-controlled items.
