B.S. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience (1-3+ years)
1+ years in propulsion fluid system design, build, and test for spacecraft or launch vehicles
Deep knowledge of fluid system hardware: pressurized components, tubing, fittings, seals, valves, and instrumentation
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 across teams
Proficiency with CAD tools and PLM software
Responsibilities
Own ground fluid systems end-to-end: architecture, P&IDs, mechanical design, fabrication, and operations
Lead propellant loading campaigns across multiple Varda facilities, ensuring safety and mission readiness
Define and improve propellant handling processes to meet flight specifications
Drive the ground fluids roadmap: identify gaps, prioritize investments, and build the team
Author and maintain technical standards, work instructions, and engineering documentation
Mentor junior and mid-level engineers; serve as primary technical reviewer for ground fluids work
Represent ground fluids in design reviews, launch site meetings, and partner discussions
Serve as the final technical escalation point for complex fluid system problems
Benefits
Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays
100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance for employees and dependents
Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance
$120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
12 weeks of parental leave with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers
Family building, pregnancy, parenting, and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic
401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up
Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
Company and team-bonding events, happy hours, and mission-success celebrations
Full Job Description
About This Role
As the Propulsion Engineer II - Ground Fluids, you will serve as the technical authority for ground fluid systems across all Varda spacecraft programs. You will own the full lifecycle - from system architecture and schematic development through build, test, and live flight operations - and define the processes, standards, and infrastructure that every mission depends on. As we scale our launch cadence, you will shape our operational approach, lead propellant loading campaigns across multiple sites, and be the technical escalation point when things get hard.
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 the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and mission readiness
Define and continuously improve Varda's 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; serve as the 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 the final technical escalation point for complex fluid system problems - and drive them to closure
Basic Qualifications
B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a 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 - precision and clarity in work instructions, engineering specs, assembly procedures, and memos
Pay Range
Salary Range: Eng II: $119,543 - $152,749/per year
This role is on-sitein El Segundo, CA
Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards
Benefits
Consider your benefits covered for launch. At Varda, we invest in benefits and perks that support your health, financial well-being, and life beyond work. Benefits vary by position, with packages designed specifically for our regular full-time employees and interns.
Regular Full-Time Positions:
Health & Wellness
Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays
100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options
Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance
$120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)
Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic
Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents
Financial & Retirement
Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up
401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
$20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
Relocation support for new hires, if needed
Workplace Experience & Perks
Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
Complimentary EV charging
Intern Positions:
Health & Wellness
Paid observed holidays
100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options
$120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents
Financial
$20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
Up to $4,000 gross up in relocation support, if eligible
Up to $850 commute credit through Lyft or car rental reimbursement, if eligible
Workplace Experience & Perks
Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
