Manager of Propulsion Systems

Vardaspace; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 170,280 - 217,580; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible PTO policy +12 paid holidays

100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match

Job summary

Vardaspace in El Segundo, California, is looking for a Manager of Propulsion Systems to spearhead the success of propulsion under their engineering organization. You will own the propulsion system architecture and lead a diverse team to shape future spacecraft capabilities. This role combines technical leadership and cross-functional collaboration.

The ideal candidate will have a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering or a related field with 5–9 years in spacecraft propulsion. Join us in creating innovative solutions in the rapidly advancing space economy.

Qualifications

• 5–9 years of hands-on experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle propulsion.
• Demonstrated people leadership experience.
• Deep technical understanding of spacecraft propulsion subsystems.

Responsibilities

• Own the spacecraft propulsion systems discipline and its interfaces end-to-end.
• Set the technical direction for Varda propulsion systems.
• Drive and define interfaces with partner disciplines.

Skills

Propulsion systems technical leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

CAD and PLM software proficiency

Education

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics

Tools

Fluid systems performance analysis tools

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 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 Manager of Propulsion Systems, you will own the success of a critical subsystem within Varda's interdisciplinary engineering organization. You will be responsible for propulsion system architecture, analysis, mechanical design, subsystem test, and operations, both on the ground and in orbit. You will lead a team of propulsion systems engineers through Varda's evolving vehicle designs and block upgrades, with your work directly shaping the development of future spacecraft and capabilities central to Varda's growth.

The ideal candidate excels in propulsion systems technical leadership and thrives working cross-functionally across engineering domains, mission assurance, production, and supply chain. This role is open at the Manager level, with leveling determined by candidate experience.

Responsibilities

• Own the spacecraft propulsion systems discipline and its interfaces end-to-end across the engineering organization and full product lifecycle
• Set the technical direction for Varda propulsion systems; expand team and subsystem capabilities through ongoing engineering development, driving projects from concept through implementation and flight
• Own vehicle Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), which directly define spacecraft capabilities in orbit
• Drive and define interfaces with partner disciplines; set team priorities, remove blockers, and ensure thorough coverage across all deliverables as the program scales
• Lead, grow, and hire the propulsion systems team responsible for subsystem development and operations, serving as the primary propulsion interface with GNC, software, structures, thermal, avionics, production, mission operations, and other partner teams
• Represent propulsion systems in cross-functional forums internally and externally; plan and execute major spacecraft testing campaigns and in‑flight operations alongside your team
• Define and uphold a high technical bar by informing and applying Varda's interdisciplinary engineering standards to the propulsion systems team

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a closely related field; equivalent professional experience considered
• 5–9 years of hands‑on experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle propulsion, including design, build, and test of fluid systems or propulsion subsystems
• Demonstrated people leadership experience — formally or informally managing, mentoring, or technically leading a team of engineers
• Deep technical understanding of spacecraft propulsion subsystems, including fluid system components, P&IDs, pressurized hardware, and propellant handling
• Proven ability to collaborate across organizational boundaries and drive multi-disciplinary technical solutions through a pragmatic systems engineering approach
• Experience authoring and executing operational procedures for ground test or flight operations
• Proficiency with CAD and PLM software

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 8+ years in spacecraft or launch vehicle propulsion, with breadth across design, analysis, test, and operations
• Prior formal management experience: hiring, performance management, and team development
• Experience with satellite bus propulsion architectures, including monopropellant, bipropellant, and cold gas systems
• Familiarity with fluid systems performance analysis tools and methods
• Background in defining and enforcing engineering standards or design guidelines within a propulsion organization
• Launch site processing of spaceflight hardware and/or flight operations experience
• Exceptional communication skills — ability to translate technical complexity into clear direction for your team and clear status for leadership

Pay Range

• Manager: $170,280–$217,580
• 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

Varda offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial well‑being, and a high‑quality workplace experience. Below is an overview of what full‑time employees receive (at this time, interns receive a subset of 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.

E-Verify Notice & Right To Work Notice

E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice

Equal Opportunity Employment

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.