Senior Propulsion Engineer - Ground Fluids Verified today

About Varda

Varda is accelerating commercial space infrastructure development, operating the W-Series vehicles end-to-end: pharmaceutical processing payloads, reentry capsules, C-PICA heat shields, and satellite buses. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind by creating both the products and infrastructure needed for space to benefit life on Earth.

We are headquartered in El Segundo, California, with offices and a production facility, plus offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.

About This Role

As the Senior Propulsion Engineer for Ground Fluids, you will serve as the technical authority for our ground fluid systems, the backbone of every mission. You will set strategy, write standards, and build the infrastructure that gets Varda spacecraft off the ground and into orbit.

You will own the full lifecycle of ground fluid systems, from architecture and design through build, test, and live flight operations. You will lead propellant loading campaigns across multiple sites, define our operational approach as we scale, and serve as the technical subject matter expert for the broader propulsion team.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end architecture, schematics, mechanical design, build, and operations for ground fluid systems across Varda's spacecraft programs, including satellite bus GSE, thruster development test stands, and component acceptance test hardware
• Lead propellant loading campaigns across multiple Varda sites, setting the standard for safety, efficiency, and reliability
• Define Varda's propellant handling processes, ensuring every commodity meets flight specifications
• Drive the ground fluids roadmap: identify capability gaps, prioritize investments, and help shape the team as we grow
• Author and maintain technical standards, work instructions, and engineering documentation for the propulsion organization
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers; serve as technical reviewer
• Represent ground fluids in cross-functional design reviews, launch site coordination, and partner discussions
• Serve as the final escalation point for complex problems and drive them to resolution

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline; equivalent professional experience considered (typically 3-6+ years)
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in propulsion fluid system definition, 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 organizational boundaries
• Proficiency with CAD tools and PLM software

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 6+ 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
• Exceptional technical communication skills, precision and clarity in work instructions, engineering specifications, assembly procedures, and engineering memos

Compensation and Location

• Salary: $140,333 to $179,314 per year
• On-site in El Segundo, CA
• Eligible for stock options and/or long-term cash awards
• Leveling and base salary determined by job-related skills, education, experience, and job performance

ITAR Requirements

Employees must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) due to access to export-controlled items.