Propulsion Development Engineer

Venture University; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a Propulsion Development Engineer to lead the design and testing of advanced propulsion systems for space vehicles. This role involves owning propulsion system builds, conducting critical simulations, and collaborating with a dynamic team of experts from the aerospace industry. As part of a mission-driven organization, you will contribute to pioneering technologies that enable life-changing products to be manufactured in space. If you're passionate about engineering and eager to make a significant impact in the emerging orbital economy, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field required.
• 0-2 years in pressurized fluid systems development.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and test propulsion systems for space vehicles.
• Conduct simulations to evaluate propulsion system performance.

Skills

Fluid Mechanics

Thermodynamics

Engineering Design

Problem-Solving

Technical Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

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.

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 (coming soon).

Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.

About This Role

Varda Space Industries is seeking a Propulsion Development Engineer to primarily serve as a Responsible Engineer for Bus Propulsion Systems. In this role, you will own propulsion system flight builds from change definition and execution, integration issue resolution, system level testing including hotfire testing, flight readiness, on-orbit operations, and post-flight analysis and review.

Development Engineers can span other areas of the Propulsion Team depending on your particular skillset and the team’s needs. In addition to Varda Bus propulsion system engineering, you may also support component and engine development, design and operation of ground support equipment, test infrastructure development, and more. We are looking to optimize our propulsion system for our current and future generation space vehicles. Ready to grow with us?

Responsibilities

• Size, architect, design, build, and test Varda propulsion systems
• Identify and trade system and subsystem level requirements
• Develop project plans, including determining development milestones and required alignment and collaboration of other engineering teams
• Conduct simulations to evaluate propulsion system performance
• Perform design analysis as necessary
• Identify and resolve issues identified in build, test, or flight

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in an applicable technical field
• 0-2 years in pressurized fluid systems development
• Strong background in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and engineering design
• Willingness and ability to take ownership of problems and drive projects to completion
• Ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic highly technical environment

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with typical engineering analysis or programming tools (MATLAB, python, etc.)
• Experience with liquid propulsion system components such as thrusters, tanks, valves, and regulators
• Strong technical communication skills

Pay Range

• Salary Range: $105,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year
• 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

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. At present, some of our technology to which employees have access requires a license to be exported to individuals other than “U.S. Persons” as defined in U.S. export regulations. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our current policy is to only hire “U.S. persons” who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license.

“US 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 in the U.S.)

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.