Senior Propulsion Engineer - Hardware and Bus Systems

Responsibilities

• be responsible for
• propulsion system architecture, analysis products,
• component
• sizing,

propulsion software

• tool development,
• data review,
• detailed
• mechanical design, subsystem test, and operations both on the ground and in orbit
• while working within an interdisciplinary engineering team
• Your work will directly influence the development of future vehicles and capabilities key to Varda’s growth.
• You
• ’ll

ing

• the technical bar for everyone around you.
• Maintain the Varda spacecraft propulsion system technical baseline, including P&IDs and system-level documentation
• Design, analyze, and test Varda satellite bus propulsion flight hardware and components
• Identify opportunities and execute propulsion system block upgrades on operational vehicles, inclusive of both schematic and hardware changes, to increase reliability and cadence
• Help define requirements and high-level propulsion architecture for future Varda vehicles; develop project plans with roadmaps, milestones, and drive cross-team alignment
• Generate propulsion performance analysis products and document key requirements (propellant budgets, pressure ladders, fluid component sizing, structural & thermal limits, more) and deliver them as inputs to GNC, Mission Operations, Thermal, and other cross-disciplinary partner teams
• Build Python scripts and spreadsheet tools to automate recurring analysis and test data reduction workflows
• Execute detailed mechanical design of propulsion hardware and fluid system components; perform structural analysis using ANSYS, NASTRAN, or equivalent FEA tools
• Author and review design documentation, engineering specs, build/integration/test procedures, and engineering memos

Sit on console for in-flight propulsion operations

• Serve as a technical authority to disposition hardware nonconformances. Lead anomaly investigations and drive corrective actions to improve quality across the organization.
• Mentor junior engineers and serve as a technical reviewer for analysis products, design packages, and external deliverables

Requirements

• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent professional experience considered (typically 3–6+ years)
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in
• propulsion or fluid systems definition, design, build, and test for spacecraft or launch vehicles

Proficiency reading and authoring P&IDs

• Experience authoring and executing operational procedures for ground test or flight campaigns, including console operations
• Demonstrated ability to drive anomaly investigations and technical problems to resolution across organizational boundaries

Preferred

• 6+ years of years of spacecraft or launch vehicle propulsion experience, including satellite bus-level propulsion architectures (monopropellant, bipropellant, cold gas systems)
• Hands-on experience building Python scripts or spreadsheet tools to automate recurring propulsion analysis & data review workflows
• Structural analysis experience using ANSYS, NASTRAN, or equivalent FEA tools applied to propulsion or fluid system hardware
• Experience generating and reviewing technical drawings and applying GD&T per ASME Y14.5 standards
• Experience with spacecraft-grade propellants including cryogenic, hypergolic, or high-test peroxide systems. Working knowledge of cleanliness, handling, and safety requirements.
• Test, launch site, or in-flight operational experience on spacecraft or launch vehicles.
• Proficiency using 1D fluid modeling & analysis tools (GFSSP, REFPROP, other)
• Experience developing & refining engineering standards, design guidelines, or analysis frameworks within a propulsion organization
• Exceptional technical communication skills — precision and clarity in work instructions, engineering specifications, and engineering memos
• Experience managing or mentoring technical contributors, formally or informally

About This Role

As the

• Senior Propulsion Engineer – Hardware & Bus Systems you will be a hands-on technical owner of the propulsion sub system and propulsion hardware across
• Varda's fleet of satellite buses.

You will

thrive in a fast-moving environment, tak ing full ownership of your systems and rais

Basic Qualifications

• Deep working knowledge of flight fluid system hardware: pressurized components, tubing, fittings, seals, valves, and instrumentation
• Proficiency with CAD tools (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, NX) and PLM software

Pay Range

Salary Range: Senior: $140,333 – $179,314/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.