Senior Propulsion Engineer - Hardware and Bus Systems

Varda Space Industries; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 140,333 - 179,314; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible PTO policy

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

401(k) retirement plan with employer match

Daily lunch provided

Job summary

Varda Space Industries is looking for a Senior Propulsion Engineer in El Segundo, CA. In this role, you'll oversee propulsion subsystems for spacecraft, ensuring they meet rigorous standards for safety and efficiency. You will lead projects that guide the propulsion hardware lifecycle, engage in design reviews, and mentor the next generation of engineers.

This position offers a competitive salary of $140,333 – $179,314 per year, along with equity incentives and comprehensive benefits to support your health and well-being.

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience in propulsion fluid system definition, design, build, and test.
• Experience authoring operational procedures for ground test or flight campaigns.
• Proficiency with CAD tools and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Own architecture and operations for propulsion hardware and fluid systems.
• Lead propellant loading and engine test operations across multiple sites.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers.

Skills

Propulsion fluid system design

Fluid system hardware knowledge

Technical communication skills

CAD tools proficiency

Education

B.S. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)

PLM software

Job description

About This Role

As the Senior Propulsion Engineer – Hardware & Bus Systems, you will serve as the technical authority for spacecraft propulsion subsystems integrated within the satellite bus, the foundational architecture that every mission depends on. You will set strategy, define standards, and build the propulsion infrastructure that gets spacecraft off the ground and into orbit. You will own the full lifecycle of propulsion hardware and bus‑integrated fluid systems, from architecture and design through build, test, anomaly resolution and live flight operations. You will lead propellant loading and engine test campaigns across multiple sites, define our operational approach as we scale, and serve as the technical north star for the broader propulsion team.

Responsibilities

• Own end‑to‑end architecture, schematics, mechanical design, build, and operations for propulsion hardware and bus‑integrated fluid systems across spacecraft programs.
• Lead propellant loading campaigns and engine test operations across multiple sites, setting the standard for safety, efficiency, and reliability, including console operations for development and flight engines.
• Define propellant handling and combustion system processes from the ground up, ensuring every commodity and subsystem meets flight specifications.
• Drive the propulsion hardware roadmap: identify capability gaps, lead combustion stability and subscale component test programs, and help shape the team as we grow.
• Set the standard: author and maintain technical standards, work instructions, test and fill procedures and engineering documentation, including pass/fail criteria that the entire propulsion organization will build on.
• Grow the next generation: mentor and develop junior and mid‑level engineers; serve as the technical reviewer they rely on.
• Represent propulsion hardware in cross‑functional design reviews, launch site coordination, and partner discussions.
• Serve as the final escalation point when anomalies get complex, lead investigations and drive them to resolution across organizational boundaries.

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, including console operations.
• Proficiency in reading and authoring Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Hands‑on experience with fluid system manufacturing processes, installation methods, and CNC‑based tooling.
• Familiarity with 91‑710 or equivalent range safety requirements.
• Proven record of technical ownership, driving anomaly investigations and 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, including high‑performance engines such as LOX‑rich staged combustion cycles.
• Experience with cryogenic, hypergolic, or other spacecraft‑grade propellants, including combustion stability analysis and subscale component test programs.
• Test or launch site operations experience, including coordination with range safety and launch site personnel; experience as a certified Test Responsible Engineer is a strong plus.
• Prior experience leading a technical team or sub‑discipline, formally or informally, across engine integration, first‑stage support, or bus‑level propulsion campaigns.
• Track record of developing and enforcing engineering standards or design guidelines, including regenerative cooling system analysis, 1D fluid modeling, and CFD, 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: Senior $140,333 – $179,314 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.

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/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/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.

ITAR Requirements

Varda only hires “U.S. persons” who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license, as employees are exposed to and have access to certain export‑controlled items.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.