Senior Propulsion Engineer - Ground Fluids

Varda Space Industries, Inc.; El Segundo, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Varda Space Industries, Inc. in El Segundo, CA, is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer - Ground Fluids to own the ground fluid systems across spacecraft programs.

You will set strategy, write standards, and build the infrastructure enabling flight operations and reliable propellant handling across sites. You will lead end-to-end responsibilities from architecture through testing, define operating procedures, and mentor junior engineers while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering (B.S. or higher) or equivalent experience.
• Typically 3–6+ years of aerospace propulsion experience.
• Experience with ground fluid systems and safety-critical operations.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end ground fluid systems: architecture, design, build, test and operations.
• Lead propellant loading campaigns across multiple sites with safety and efficiency focus.
• Define propellant handling processes meeting flight specifications.
• Drive ground fluids roadmap and identify capability gaps.
• Set and maintain technical standards, work instructions, and docs.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers; perform technical reviews.
• Represent ground fluids in design reviews and launch-site discussions.

Skills

Propulsion fluid system design

Ground fluids expertise

Technical documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

B.S. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

P&ID drafting

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.

About This Role

As the Senior Propulsion Engineer - Ground Fluids, you will to serve as the technical authority for our ground fluid systems, the backbone of every mission we fly. You'll be setting the strategy, writing the standards and building the infrastructure that gets Varda spacecraft off the ground and into orbit.

You'll own the full lifecycle of ground fluid systems, from architecture and design through build, test and live flight operations. You'll 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 it 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 we grow
• 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 get complex and drive them to resolution

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent professional experience considered (typically 3-6+ years)
• 3+ 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