Varda Space

Senior Propulsion Engineer - Ground Fluids

El Segundo, California, United States · Senior

Work authorization required$91k-$710kDetected 20 days ago

Mechanical DesignAerospace EngineeringLeadershipCommunicationFiber Optics

About the 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.

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
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
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
3+ years of hands-on experience in propulsion fluid system definition, design, build, and test for spacecraft or launch vehicles
Relocation support for new hires, if needed

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 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
6+ years of propulsion fluid systems experience on spacecraft or launch vehicles
Experience with hypergolic, cryogenic, or other spacecraft-grade propellants

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
Senior: $140,333 - $179,314/per year
Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance
Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up
$20/pay period cell phone reimbursement

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
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

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.

This listing is sourced directly from Varda Space's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.