Senior 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 heat shields, 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 Senior Propulsion Engineer - Ground Fluids, you will to serve as the technical authority for our ground fluid systems, the backbone of every mission we fly. 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 subject matter expert for the broader propulsion team.
Responsibilities
Own it end-to-end: architecture, schematics, mechanical design, build, and operations for ground fluid systems across Varda's spacecraft programs — including satellite bus GSE, thruster development test stands, and component acceptance test hardware
Lead propellant loading campaigns across multiple Varda sites, setting the standard 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 help shape the team as we grow
Set the standard: author and maintain technical standards, work instructions, and engineering documentation that the whole propulsion organization builds on
Grow the next generation: mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers; serve as the technical reviewer they rely on
Represent ground fluids in cross-functional design reviews, launch site coordination, and partner discussions
Serve as the final escalation point when problems get complex and drive them to resolution
Basic Qualifications
B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent professional experience considered (typically 3-6+ years)
3+ years of hands-on experience in propulsion fluid system definition, 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 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
Exceptional technical communication skills, precision and clarity in work instructions, engineering specifications, assembly procedures, and engineering memos
Pay Range
Salary Range: Senior: $140,333 – $179,314/per year
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
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