Sr. Propulsion Engineer - Ground Fluids

Varda Space Industries•El Segundo, CA

3h•$133,000 - $175,000•Onsite

About The Position

Varda is looking for a Senior Propulsion Engineer to serve as the technical authority for our ground fluid systems — the backbone of every mission we fly. You won’t just be executing someone else’s vision. You’ll be setting the strategy, writing the standards, and building the infrastructure that gets Varda spacecraft off the ground and into orbit. You’ll own the full lifecycle of ground fluid systems — from architecture and design through build, test, and live flight operations. You’ll lead propellant loading campaigns across multiple sites, define our operational approach as we scale, and serve as the technical north star for the broader propulsion team. If you’ve been deep in the trenches of propulsion for years and you’re ready to step up as the person who sets the direction, this is your seat.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical, or a related engineering field
6+ years of hands-on experience in propulsion fluid system definition, design, build, and test for spacecraft or launch vehicles
Deep, demonstrated understanding of fluid system components: pressurized hardware, tubing, fittings, seals, valves, and instrumentation
Proven experience authoring and executing operational procedures for ground test or flight campaigns
Proficiency in authoring and interpreting Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
Direct experience with fluid system manufacturing processes and installation methods
Familiarity with 91-710 or equivalent range safety specifications
Track record of technical ownership — driving problems to resolution across organizational boundaries
Proficiency with CAD and product lifecycle management (PLM) software

Nice To Haves

8+ years in propulsion fluid systems for spacecraft or rockets
Experience with hypergolic, cryogenic, or other spacecraft propellants
Test or launch site fluid systems operations experience, including coordinating with range safety and launch site personnel
Prior experience leading a technical team or sub-discipline — formally or informally
Experience developing and enforcing engineering standards or design guidelines for a propulsion organization
Exceptional technical communication skills: precision and clarity across work instructions, specs, assembly procedures, and engineering memos

Responsibilities

Own it end-to-end: Architecture, schematics, mechanical design, build, and operations for ground fluid systems across Varda’s spacecraft programs — including critical satellite bus GSE, thruster development test stands, and component ATP hardware.
Lead propellant loading campaigns across multiple Varda sites, setting the bar 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 shape the team as we grow.
Set the standard: author and maintain technical standards, work instructions, and engineering documentation that the whole team builds on.
Grow the next generation: mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers; be the technical reviewer they rely on.
Be the face of ground fluids in cross-functional reviews, launch site coordination, and partner discussions.
Solve the hard problems: serve as the final escalation point when things get complex — and drive them to resolution.