Senior Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics Engineer

Varda Space Industries; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 119,543 - 152,749; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with employer match

Flexible PTO policy

Daily lunches provided

Company bonding events

Job summary

Varda Space Industries, located in El Segundo, California, is seeking an Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics Engineer. This role involves supporting current vehicles and developing next-generation reentry vehicles through expertise in computational fluid dynamics and aerodynamic development.

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in flight dynamics modeling and hands-on experience with aerodynamic data analysis. The position requires on-site presence, providing a collaborative environment to bring innovative aerospace solutions to life.

Qualifications

• Experience with high speed computational fluid dynamics simulations.
• Experience analyzing aerodynamic data from multiple sources.
• Proficiency in MATLAB or Python.

Responsibilities

• Own aerodynamic and aeroheating database development.
• Plan and execute wind tunnel campaigns.
• Lead post-flight aerodynamic reconstruction and performance assessments.

Skills

CFD simulations

Flight dynamics modeling

Aerodynamic development

MATLAB

Python

Written communication

Education

BS degree in engineering or physics

Relevant PhD

Tools

Fun3D

LAURA

DPLR

US3D

SPARTA

Pointwise

Job description

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 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, with additional offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.

About This Role

Varda is seeking an Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics Engineer to support operation of Varda's current vehicles and the development of Varda's next reentry vehicle – from rarefied entry to hypersonic maneuvering and subsonic terminal approach. The candidate must have experience running high speed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and supporting wind tunnel campaigns. Exposure to 6DOF flight dynamics modeling and experience developing flight rules is strongly preferred. The ideal candidate should have been involved in the aerodynamic development of a currently flying vehicle from cradle to grave. This role is open at the L2 and Senior level, with levels determined based on candidate experience.

Responsibilities

Own the aerodynamic and aeroheating database development across the full flight envelope, from free-molecular rarefied entry through hypersonic maneuvering to subsonic terminal approach, serving as the authoritative aeroscience input to GNC, TPS sizing, and mission analysis.

• Plan, execute, and reduce data from wind tunnel campaigns; reconcile ground test results with CFD predictions and update vehicle databases with traceable, well-documented revisions.
• Run high-fidelity CFD and DSMC simulations of hypersonic and subsonic flows using tools such as Fun3D, LAURA, DPLR, US3D, SPARTA, DAC, and CBAero; build structured and unstructured meshes in Pointwise.
• Characterize static and dynamic stability, develop 6DOF simulation inputs, and contribute to flight rules and vehicle-level performance models.
• Synthesize aerodynamic evidence from CFD, wind tunnel, and flight telemetry into a coherent, traceable database that supports GNC, TPS sizing, and mission analysis.
• Lead post-flight aerodynamic reconstruction and performance assessments; identify where preflight predictions diverged from reality and drive model updates that make the next mission sharper.
• Collaborate across disciplines: GNC, structures, TPS, and mission planning, to deliver flight-ready aeroscience products and serve as the aerodynamics voice in every cross-discipline design discussion.

Basic Qualifications

• BS degree in engineering or physics and 3+ years of relevant industry experience, or a relevant PhD and 1+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Meaningful contribution to the aerodynamic development of a hypersonic vehicle that has flown, or is on track to fly within the next 5 years.
• Experience analyzing aerodynamic data from test, CFD, flight, and other sources and documenting findings rigorously.
• Experience running CFD and DSMC simulations of hypersonic and subsonic flows (Fun3D, LAURA, DPLR, US3D, SPARTA, DAC, CBAero).
• Comfortable building structured and unstructured meshes in Pointwise.
• Proficiency in MATLAB or Python.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to translate complex aeroscience findings for cross-disciplinary audiences.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Preferred Skills And Experience

• MS or Ph.D. degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, specializing in aerodynamics or fluid mechanics.
• Hands‑on wind tunnel campaign experience, including test planning, execution, and data reduction.
• Direct ownership of aerodynamic and aeroheating databases for a flying vehicle.
• Familiarity with modeling vehicle dynamics in POST2 or similar 6DOF tools.
• Experience sizing ablative or non-ablative TPS.
• Experience with flight reconstruction and post‑flight performance evaluations.
• Technical breadth in adjacent disciplines (GNC, avionics, software, structures).

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.

Benefits

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.
• Dog‑friendly office space.

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. “U.S. 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).

E-Verify Statement

Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E‑Verify program. The E‑Verify program is an Internet‑based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E‑Verify program.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.