Propulsion Engineer - Ground Fluids

About Varda

Low Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. Varda’s W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heatshields, and the satellite buses.

From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind.  

Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.  

Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL. 

Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.

About This Role

As the Propulsion Engineer – 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. This role is open at the Engineer II and Senior level, with levels determined based on candidate experience.

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 closely related field; equivalent professional experience considered
• 3+ 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

• 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
• 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
• Senior: $140,333-$179,314
• This role is on-site in 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

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. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our 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).