Propulsion Engineer II - Ground Fluids

Varda Space Industries•El Segundo, CA

2d•$119,543 - $152,749•Onsite

About The Position

As the Propulsion Engineer II - Ground Fluids, you will serve as the technical authority for ground fluid systems across all Varda spacecraft programs. You will own the full lifecycle — from system architecture and schematic development through build, test, and live flight operations — and define the processes, standards, and infrastructure that every mission depends on. As we scale our launch cadence, you will shape our operational approach, lead propellant loading campaigns across multiple sites, and be the technical escalation point when things get hard.

Requirements

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline, with consideration given to equivalent professional experience (typically 1–3+ years)
1+ years of hands-on experience in propulsion fluid system 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 team and organizational boundaries
Proficiency with CAD tools and PLM software

Nice To Haves

3+ years of propulsion fluid systems experience on spacecraft or launch vehicles
Experience with hypergolic, cryogenic, or other spacecraft-grade propellants
Test or launch site operations experience, including coordination with range safety and launch site personnel
Prior experience leading a technical team or sub-discipline, formally or informally
Track record of developing and enforcing engineering standards or design guidelines within a propulsion organization
Strong technical communication skills — precision and clarity in work instructions, engineering specs, assembly procedures, and memos

Responsibilities

Own ground fluid systems end-to-end: architecture, P&IDs, mechanical design, fabrication, and operations — spanning satellite bus GSE, thruster development test stands, and component acceptance test hardware
Lead propellant loading campaigns across multiple Varda facilities, maintaining the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and mission readiness
Define and continuously improve Varda's propellant handling processes, ensuring all commodities meet flight specifications
Drive the ground fluids roadmap: identify capability gaps, prioritize investments, and help build out the team
Author and maintain technical standards, work instructions, assembly procedures, and engineering documentation used across the propulsion organization
Mentor junior and mid-level engineers; serve as the primary technical reviewer for ground fluids work products
Represent ground fluids in cross-functional design reviews, launch site coordination meetings, and partner discussions
Serve as the final technical escalation point for complex fluid system problems — and drive them to closure

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
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
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
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