Lead Ground Fluids Propulsion Engineer

Varda Space; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 179,000; Full time

Job summary

Varda Space Industries is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer - Ground Fluids to act as the technical authority for ground fluid systems across our missions. You will shape strategy, write standards, and build infrastructure that enables spaceflight.

You will own the full lifecycle of ground fluids systems, from architecture to live flight operations, leading propellant loading campaigns and defining operational approaches as we scale.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline; equivalent professional experience considered (3–6+ years).
• 3+ years of hands-on propulsion fluid system definition, design, build, and test for spacecraft/launch vehicles.
• Deep knowledge of fluid system hardware: pressurized components, tubing, fittings, seals, valves, and instrumentation.
• Experience authoring/executing operational procedures for ground test or flight campaigns.
• Proficiency in reading/authoring P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams).
• Hands-on experience with fluid system manufacturing processes and installation methods.
• Familiarity with 91-710 or equivalent range safety requirements.
• Proven technical ownership, driving problems to resolution across org boundaries.
• Proficiency with CAD tools and PLM software.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end ground fluid systems architecture, schematics, mechanical design, build, and operations for spacecraft programs.
• Lead propellant loading campaigns across multiple sites with emphasis on safety, efficiency, and reliability.
• Define propellant handling processes ensuring flight-spec compliance.
• Drive the ground fluids roadmap by identifying capability gaps and prioritizing investments.
• Author and maintain engineering standards, work instructions, and documentation for propulsion.
• Mentor and develop junior/mid-level engineers; act as technical reviewer.
• Represent ground fluids in design reviews, launch-site coordination, and partner discussions.
• Escalate and drive complex problems to resolution across teams.

Skills

Propulsion fluid systems

Ground test procedures

Technical ownership

P&IDs literacy

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

B.S. in Aerospace/Mechanical Eng

Tools

CAD tools

PLM software

Job description

Varda Space Industries is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer - Ground Fluids to act as the technical authority for ground fluid systems across our missions. You will shape strategy, write standards, and build infrastructure that enables spaceflight.

You will own the full lifecycle of ground fluids systems, from architecture to live flight operations, leading propellant loading campaigns and defining operational approaches as we scale.