Propulsion Engineer II - Ground Fluids

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

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)
• 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

Preferred

• 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

About This Role

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.

Basic Qualifications

Hands-on experience with fluid system manufacturing processes and installation methods

Pay Range

Salary Range: Eng II: $119,543 - $152,749/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

ITAR Requirements

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. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our policy is to only hire “U.S. persons” who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license.

“US person” means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum).

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. Learn more about the

E-Verify program.

E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice

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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, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.