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Salary: USD 119,543 - 152,749 / annual
Varda Space Industries is accelerating commercial space infrastructure development, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable reentry capsules. The company designs, builds, and operates W-Series vehicles in-house, including pharmaceutical processing payloads, capsules, heat shields, and satellite buses. Varda is backed by top-tier investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, and Founders Fund, with leadership and staff from SpaceX, Blue Origin, and major pharmaceutical companies.
As Propulsion Engineer II - Ground Fluids, you will serve as the technical authority for ground fluid systems across all Varda spacecraft programs. You own the complete lifecycle from system architecture and schematic development through build, test, and live flight operations. You will define the processes, standards, and infrastructure that every mission depends on, and as Varda scales its launch cadence, you will shape operational approaches, lead propellant loading campaigns across multiple sites, and serve as the technical escalation point for complex fluid system problems.
Key responsibilities include:
- 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 highest standards of safety, efficiency, and mission readiness
- Define and continuously improve 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 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 final technical escalation point for complex fluid system problems and drive them to closure
Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, with offices and production facilities in El Segundo, Washington DC, and Huntsville, AL. This is an on-site role in El Segundo.
REQUIREMENTS:
Basic Qualifications:
- B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline, with consideration given to equivalent professional experience (typically 1–3+ years)
- 1+ years 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
ITAR Requirements: Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).
