Principal Propulsion Engineer - Ground Fluids

Varda Space Industries; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 181,913 - 232,444; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible PTO policy

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

401(k) plan with 6% employer match

Fully stocked kitchen with meals provided

Company bonding events and happy hours

Dog-friendly office

Job summary

Varda Space Industries is seeking a Principal Propulsion Engineer – Ground Fluids to be the technical authority for ground fluid systems vital for mission success. The role involves overseeing the full lifecycle of these systems, including architecture, design, and operations, while leading propellant loading campaigns across multiple sites.

The ideal candidate holds a B.S. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, with at least 6 years of relevant experience. This position is on-site in El Segundo, CA, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 6+ years hands-on experience in propulsion fluid system design and build.
• Deep knowledge of pressurized components and fluid system hardware.
• Experience authoring operational procedures for flight campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Own architecture and operations for ground fluid systems.
• Lead propellant loading campaigns across Varda sites.
• Define and maintain technical standards for ground fluids.

Skills

Propulsion fluid system definition

Hands-on experience

Fluid system hardware knowledge

Technical ownership

CAD tools proficiency

Education

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline

Tools

CAD software

Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)

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 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.

About This Role

As Principal Propulsion Engineer – Ground Fluids, you will serve as the technical authority for our ground fluid systems, the backbone of every mission we fly. You will set strategy, write standards, and build the infrastructure that gets Varda spacecraft off the ground and into orbit. You will own the full lifecycle of ground fluid systems, from architecture and design through build, test, and live flight operations. You will lead propellant loading campaigns across multiple sites, define our operational approach as we scale, and serve as the technical subject‑matter expert for the broader propulsion team.

Responsibilities

• Own end‑to‑end architecture, schematics, mechanical design, build, and operations for ground fluid systems across Varda’s spacecraft programs, including satellite bus GSE, thruster development test stands, and component acceptance test hardware.
• Lead propellant loading campaigns across multiple Varda sites, setting the standard 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: identify capability gaps, prioritize investments, and help shape the team as it grows.
• Set the standard: author and maintain technical standards, work instructions, and engineering documentation that the whole propulsion organization builds on.
• Grow the next generation: 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 when problems become complex and drive them to resolution.

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent professional experience considered (typically 6‑10+ years).
• 6+ 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 Skills And Experience

• 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.

Pay Range

• Salary Range: Principal: $181,913 – $232,444 per year.
• 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.

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 per 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 per 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 a 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.

E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice

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.