About This RoleAs 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
BenefitsConsider 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
- Complimentary EV charging
