Senior Propulsion EngineerGround FluidsEl Segundo, California, United States | Full-Time, On-Site
About This Role This isn't a "maintain the status quo" role. This is a
build-the-future role.
Varda is looking for a Senior Propulsion Engineer to serve as the technical authority for our ground fluid systems - the backbone of every mission we fly. You won't just be executing someone else's vision. You'll be setting the strategy, writing the standards, and building the infrastructure that gets Varda spacecraft off the ground and into orbit.
You'll own the full lifecycle of ground fluid systems - from architecture and design through build, test, and live flight operations. You'll lead propellant loading campaigns across multiple sites, define our operational approach as we scale, and serve as the technical north star for the broader propulsion team.
If you've been deep in the trenches of propulsion for years and you're ready to step up as the person who sets the direction, this is your seat. Responsibilities - Own it end-to-end: Architecture, schematics, mechanical design, build, and operations for ground fluid systems across Varda's spacecraft programs - including critical satellite bus GSE, thruster development test stands, and component ATP hardware.
- Lead propellant loading campaigns across multiple Varda sites, setting the bar for safety, efficiency, and reliability.
- Define Varda's propellant handling processes from the ground up, ensuring every commodity meets flight specifications.
- Drive the ground fluids roadmap: identify capability gaps, prioritize investments, and shape the team as we grow.
- Set the standard: author and maintain technical standards, work instructions, and engineering documentation that the whole team builds on.
- Grow the next generation: mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers; be the technical reviewer they rely on.
- Be the face of ground fluids in cross-functional reviews, launch site coordination, and partner discussions.
- Solve the hard problems: serve as the final escalation point when things get complex - and drive them to resolution.
Basic Qualifications - Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical, or a related engineering field
- 6+ years of hands-on experience in propulsion fluid system definition, design, build, and test for spacecraft or launch vehicles
- Deep, demonstrated understanding of fluid system components: pressurized hardware, tubing, fittings, seals, valves, and instrumentation
- Proven experience authoring and executing operational procedures for ground test or flight campaigns
- Proficiency in authoring and interpreting Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
- Direct experience with fluid system manufacturing processes and installation methods
- Familiarity with 91-710 or equivalent range safety specifications
- Track record of technical ownership - driving problems to resolution across organizational boundaries
- Proficiency with CAD and product lifecycle management (PLM) software
Preferred Skills & Experience - 8+ years in propulsion fluid systems for spacecraft or rockets
- Experience with hypergolic, cryogenic, or other spacecraft propellants
- Test or launch site fluid systems operations experience, including coordinating with range safety and launch site personnel
- Prior experience leading a technical team or sub-discipline - formally or informally
- Experience developing and enforcing engineering standards or design guidelines for a propulsion organization
- Exceptional technical communication skills: precision and clarity across work instructions, specs, assembly procedures, and engineering memos
Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $133,000 - $175,000 per year Job-related skills, education, experience, and performance determine leveling and base salary. You'll also be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards.
- Equity in a fully funded space startup with serious growth potential
- 401(k) matching
- Unlimited PTO
- Health, vision, and dental insurance
- 🍱 Daily lunch and snacks on site; dinners twice a week
- Maternity/Paternity leave
ITAR Requirements- Varda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. At present, some of our technology to which employees have access requires a license to be exported to individuals other than "U.S. Persons" as defined in U.S. export regulations. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our current policy is to only hire "U.S. persons" who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license.
"US person" means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum in the U.S.)
Learn more about the ITAR here.
Benefits- Exciting team of professionals at the top of their field working by your side
- Equity in a fully funded space startup with potential for significant growth (interns excluded)
- 401(k) matching (interns excluded)
- Unlimited PTO (interns excluded)
- Health insurance, including Vision and Dental
- Lunch and snacks provided on site every day. Dinners provided twice a week.
- Maternity / Paternity leave (interns excluded)
