Principal Propulsion Engineer — Components (On-site)

Varda Space Industries, Inc.; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 182,000 - 232,000; Full time

Job summary

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA is seeking a Principal Propulsion Engineer- Components to own and advance the fluid components across the W-Series propulsion system. You will lead design, qualification, and flight readiness for valves, regulators, manifolds, and sensors, interfacing with propulsion, structures, and production teams.

The role emphasizes hands-on testing, supplier liaison, and developing in-house capabilities while shaping make-versus-buy decisions to improve reliability

Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline is required or equivalent professional experience.
• 6+ years hands-on experience designing, qualifying, or owning fluid components for spacecraft or high‑pressure hardware.
• Strong understanding of sealing, force balance, spring sizing, and wear in fluid systems.
• Experience with test campaigns and qualification processes (ATP/QTP).

Responsibilities

• Serve as responsible engineer for propulsion component portfolio from requirements to flight.
• Design Varda-owned propulsion components with CAD, drawings, tolerances, and analyses.
• Source and qualify purchased components; lead supplier interactions and corrective actions.
• Author ATP/QTP procedures and analyze test results for pass/fail criteria.
• Support build, integration, test, and flight operations; investigate discrepancies.
• Represent components in design reviews, FMEAs, hazard analyses, and range safety interfaces.
• Mentor engineers and help set propulsion design and test standards.

Skills

Fluid component design

Mechanical design

Technical ownership

Vendor liaison

Test & qualification

Travel willingness

Education

B.S. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD

GD&T

ASME Y14.5

PLM

Job description

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA is seeking a Principal Propulsion Engineer- Components to own and advance the fluid components across the W-Series propulsion system. You will lead design, qualification, and flight readiness for valves, regulators, manifolds, and sensors, interfacing with propulsion, structures, and production teams.

The role emphasizes hands-on testing, supplier liaison, and developing in-house capabilities while shaping make-versus-buy decisions to improve reliability