Senior Propulsion Engineer — Ground Fluids Lead

Telemetry Today LLC; El Segundo, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 179,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Stock options

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) employer match

Wellness reimbursement

Parental leave

Company-paid insurance for interns

Job summary

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer - Ground Fluids to serve as the technical authority for our ground fluid systems. You will set strategy, write standards, and build the infrastructure that gets our spacecraft off the pad and into orbit.

You will own the full lifecycle of ground fluids, lead propellant loading campaigns across sites, and shape the team's approach as we scale. The role requires a B.S.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or 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
• 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

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

Skills

Propulsion fluid systems

P&IDs

CAD tools

Technical ownership

Cross-functional coordination

Education

B.S. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD tools

PLM software

Job description

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer - Ground Fluids to serve as the technical authority for our ground fluid systems. You will set strategy, write standards, and build the infrastructure that gets our spacecraft off the pad and into orbit.

You will own the full lifecycle of ground fluids, lead propellant loading campaigns across sites, and shape the team's approach as we scale. The role requires a B.S.