Varda Space
Senior Propulsion Engineer - Hardware and Bus Systems
El Segundo, California, United States · Senior
Sponsorship not specified$140k-$179kDetected 1 day ago
CFDMechanical DesignAerospace EngineeringLeadershipCommunicationFiber Optics
About the 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.
Responsibilities
- Own it end-to-end: architecture, schematics, mechanical design, build, and operations for propulsion hardware and bus-integrated fluid systems across spacecraft programs, including satellite bus GSE, engine development test stands, and component acceptance test hardware
- 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
- 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 which the entire propulsion organization will build on
- Grow the next generation: mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers
- 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
- 3+ years of hands-on experience in propulsion fluid system definition, design, build, and test for spacecraft or launch vehicles
- 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
Requirements
- equivalent professional experience considered (typically 3-6+ years)
- Deep working knowledge of fluid system hardware: pressurized components, tubing, fittings, seals, valves, and instrumentation
- 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
- 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
Nice to have
- Preferred Skills and Experience
- 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
Compensation
- Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
- Senior: $140,333 - $179,314/per year
Benefits
- 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
- $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 <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"3355596
- Varda offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial well‑being, and a high‑quality workplace experience.
- Below is an overview of what full‑time employees receive (at this time, interns receive a subset of benefits):
- Health & Wellness
- You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards
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