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Salary: USD 140,333 - 179,314 / 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, C-PICA 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 Senior Propulsion Engineer - Ground Fluids, you will serve as the technical authority for ground fluid systems—the backbone of every Varda mission. You will own the full lifecycle of these systems, from architecture and design through build, test, and live flight operations. This is a high-impact individual contributor role with significant technical leadership responsibilities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Own end-to-end architecture, schematics, mechanical design, build, and operations for ground fluid systems across Varda's spacecraft programs, including satellite bus ground support equipment (GSE), thruster development test stands, and component acceptance test hardware
- Lead propellant loading campaigns across multiple Varda sites, setting standards 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 by identifying capability gaps, prioritizing investments, and helping shape the team as it grows
- Author and maintain technical standards, work instructions, and engineering documentation that the broader propulsion organization builds upon
- 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 for complex problems and drive them to resolution
The role is based in El Segundo, California, where Varda has offices and a production facility. Varda also maintains offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
- B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or 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:
- 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
ITAR Requirement: Candidates 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)) due to access to export-controlled items.
