Senior Propulsion Engineer - Hardware and Bus Systems Verified today

About Varda

Varda is accelerating commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable reentry capsules. The W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated entirely in-house, including propulsion systems, satellite buses, and heat shields. Our team comprises veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, and major technology companies.

Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, with offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.

About This Role

As Senior Propulsion Engineer, you will be the hands-on technical owner of the propulsion subsystem and hardware across Varda's satellite bus fleet. You'll own propulsion system architecture, analysis, component sizing, software tool development, mechanical design, subsystem testing, and both ground and in-orbit operations within an interdisciplinary team.

Your work directly influences the development of future vehicles and capabilities key to Varda's growth. You'll thrive in a fast-moving environment, taking full ownership of your systems and raising the technical bar for everyone around you.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the Varda spacecraft propulsion system technical baseline, including P&IDs and system-level documentation
• Design, analyze, and test satellite bus propulsion flight hardware and components
• Identify and execute propulsion system block upgrades on operational vehicles to increase reliability and cadence
• Define requirements and high-level propulsion architecture for future Varda vehicles; develop project plans with roadmaps and milestones
• Generate propulsion performance analysis products and document key requirements (propellant budgets, pressure ladders, component sizing, structural and thermal limits) as inputs to GNC, Mission Operations, Thermal, and partner teams
• Build Python scripts and spreadsheet tools to automate recurring analysis and test data reduction workflows
• Execute detailed mechanical design of propulsion hardware using ANSYS, NASTRAN, or equivalent FEA tools
• Author and review design documentation, engineering specifications, build and test procedures, and engineering memos
• Sit on console for in-flight propulsion operations
• Disposition hardware nonconformances and lead anomaly investigations to drive corrective actions
• Mentor junior engineers and review analysis products and design packages

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline; equivalent professional experience considered (typically 3-6+ years)
• 3+ years hands-on experience in propulsion or fluid systems definition, design, build, and test for spacecraft or launch vehicles
• Deep working knowledge of flight fluid system hardware: pressurized components, tubing, fittings, seals, valves, and instrumentation
• Proficiency reading and authoring P&IDs
• Proficiency with CAD tools (CATIA, SolidWorks, NX) and PLM software
• Experience authoring and executing operational procedures for ground test or flight campaigns, including console operations
• Demonstrated ability to drive anomaly investigations and technical problems to resolution across organizational boundaries

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 6+ years spacecraft or launch vehicle propulsion experience, including satellite bus-level propulsion architectures (monopropellant, bipropellant, cold gas systems)
• Hands-on experience building Python scripts or spreadsheet tools to automate propulsion analysis and data review workflows
• Structural analysis experience using ANSYS, NASTRAN, or equivalent FEA tools
• Experience generating and reviewing technical drawings and applying GD&T per ASME Y14.5 standards
• Experience with spacecraft-grade propellants including cryogenic, hypergolic, or high-test peroxide systems; working knowledge of cleanliness, handling, and safety requirements
• Test, launch site, or in-flight operational experience on spacecraft or launch vehicles
• Proficiency using 1D fluid modeling and analysis tools (GFSSP, REFPROP, other)
• Experience developing and refining engineering standards, design guidelines, or analysis frameworks within a propulsion organization
• Exceptional technical communication skills in work instructions, engineering specifications, and memos
• Experience managing or mentoring technical contributors

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $140,333 - $179,314 per year

Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance. You will be eligible for stock options and/or long-term cash awards.

Benefits for regular full-time employees include: flexible PTO plus 12 paid holidays; 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance for employees and dependents; FSA and employer-matched HSA options; $120/month wellness reimbursement; 12 weeks parental leave; Maven Clinic family and parenting benefits; sponsored One Medical memberships; 401(k) with 6% employer match (immediately vested); $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement; and relocation support for new hires if needed.

This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA.