Propulsion Engineer II - Ground Fluids Verified today

About Varda

Varda accelerates commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable reentry capsules. The company's W-Series vehicles are built, designed and operated in-house, including pharmaceutical processing payloads, capsules, C-PICA heat shields, and satellite buses. Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California with offices and production facility there, plus offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.

About This Role

As Propulsion Engineer II - Ground Fluids, you serve as technical authority for ground fluid systems across all Varda spacecraft programs. You own the full lifecycle from system architecture and schematic development through build, test, and live flight operations. You define the processes, standards, and infrastructure every mission depends on, and as launch cadence scales, you shape operational approach and serve as technical escalation point for complex problems.

Responsibilities

• Own ground fluid systems end-to-end: architecture, P&IDs, mechanical design, fabrication, and operations spanning satellite bus GSE, thruster development test stands, and component acceptance test hardware
• Lead propellant loading campaigns across multiple Varda facilities, maintaining highest standards of safety, efficiency, and mission readiness
• Define and continuously improve propellant handling processes, ensuring all commodities meet flight specifications
• Drive the ground fluids roadmap: identify capability gaps, prioritize investments, and help build out the team
• Author and maintain technical standards, work instructions, assembly procedures, and engineering documentation used across the propulsion organization
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers and serve as primary technical reviewer for ground fluids work products
• Represent ground fluids in cross-functional design reviews, launch site coordination meetings, and partner discussions
• Serve as final technical escalation point for complex fluid system problems and drive them to closure

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline, with consideration given to equivalent professional experience (typically 1-3+ years)
• 1+ years of hands-on experience in propulsion fluid system design, build, and test for spacecraft or launch vehicles
• Deep working knowledge of fluid system hardware: pressurized components, tubing, fittings, seals, valves, and instrumentation
• Demonstrated experience authoring and executing operational procedures for ground test or flight campaigns
• Proficiency in reading and authoring Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
• Hands-on experience with fluid system manufacturing processes and installation methods
• Familiarity with 91-710 or equivalent range safety requirements
• Proven record of technical ownership driving problems to resolution across team and organizational boundaries
• Proficiency with CAD tools and PLM software

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 3+ years of propulsion fluid systems experience on spacecraft or launch vehicles
• Experience with hypergolic, cryogenic, or other spacecraft-grade propellants
• Test or launch site operations experience, including coordination with range safety and launch site personnel
• Prior experience leading a technical team or sub-discipline, formally or informally
• Track record of developing and enforcing engineering standards or design guidelines within a propulsion organization
• Strong technical communication skills in work instructions, engineering specs, assembly procedures, and memos

Compensation and Location

Salary range: $119,543 to $152,749 per year. This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA. Leveling and base salary determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance. Eligible for stock options and/or long-term cash awards.

Benefits

• Flexible PTO policy plus 12 paid holidays
• 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options
• Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance
• $120 per month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness
• 12 weeks of parental leave with supplemental disability leave for California mothers
• Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic
• Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and dependents
• Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up
• 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match, immediately vested
• $20 per pay period cell phone reimbursement