Propulsion Components Engineer — Spacecraft Systems

Vardaspace; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 232,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan with employer-m

Relocation support

Fully stocked kitchen with meals

Job summary

Varda Space Industries is seeking a Propulsion Components Engineer to own and advance the fluid components used on the W-Series propulsion system. You will design, qualify, and integrate valves, regulators, and related hardware, coordinating with suppliers and cross‑discipline teams to enable higher flight cadence.

You will lead test campaigns, drive design refinement, and participate in reviews and safety analyses, with travel to supplier sites as needed.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering; typically 3–6+ years.
• 3+ years designing, qualifying, or owning fluid components for spacecraft or high‑pressure hardware.
• Experience with pressure testing and ATP/QTP per SMC‑S‑016 or equivalent.
• Hands‑on experience building/testing pressurized hardware with technicians.
• Willingness to travel to suppliers/test sites (<10%).

Responsibilities

• Serve as responsible engineer for propulsion component portfolio from requirements to flight.
• Design Varda‑owned propulsion components: CAD, drawings with GD&T, tolerance analysis.
• Source and qualify purchased components; lead with suppliers and drive corrective action.
• Execute ATP/QTP campaigns and document results with clear reports.
• Support vehicle build, integration, test, and flight operations; disposition nonconformances.
• Represent components in design reviews and qualification records; share knowledge.

Skills

Fluid components

Valve design

CAD proficiency

Supplier management

Education

B.S. in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

PLM software

Test stand equipment

Job description

Varda Space Industries is seeking a Propulsion Components Engineer to own and advance the fluid components used on the W-Series propulsion system. You will design, qualify, and integrate valves, regulators, and related hardware, coordinating with suppliers and cross‑discipline teams to enable higher flight cadence.

You will lead test campaigns, drive design refinement, and participate in reviews and safety analyses, with travel to supplier sites as needed.