Propulsion Engineer II - Ground Fluids

<div class="content-intro"><h2><span data-contrast="none">About Varda</span></h2>

<p>Low Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. <strong>Varda’s W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses.</strong></p>

<p>From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind.  </p>

<p>Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.  </p>

<p>Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL. </p>

<p>Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.</p></div><p><strong>About This Role</strong></p>

<p>As the <strong>Propulsion Engineer II - Ground Fluids</strong>, 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.</p>

<p><strong>Responsibilities</strong></p>

<ul>

<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">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</li>

<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Lead propellant loading campaigns across multiple Varda facilities, maintaining the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and mission readiness</li>

<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Define and continuously improve Varda's propellant handling processes, ensuring all commodities meet flight specifications</li>

<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Drive the ground fluids roadmap: identify capability gaps, prioritize investments, and help build out the team</li>

<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Author and maintain technical standards, work instructions, assembly procedures, and engineering documentation used across the propulsion organization</li>

<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Mentor junior and mid-level engineers; serve as the primary technical reviewer for ground fluids work products</li>

<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Represent ground fluids in cross-functional design reviews, launch site coordination meetings, and partner discussions</li>

<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Serve as the final technical escalation point for complex fluid system problems — and drive them to closure</li>

</ul>

<p><strong>Basic Qualifications</strong></p>

<ul>

<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline, with consideration given to equivalent professional experience (typically 1–3+ years)</li>

<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">1+ years of hands-on experience in propulsion fluid system design, build, and test for spacecraft or launch vehicles</li>

<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Deep working knowledge of fluid system hardware: pressurized components, tubing, fittings, seals, valves, and instrumentation</li>

<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Demonstrated experience authoring and executing operational procedures for ground test or flight campaigns</li>

<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Proficiency in reading and authoring Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)</li>

<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Hands-on experience with fluid system manufacturing processes and installation methods</li>

<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Familiarity with 91-710 or equivalent range safety requirements</li>

<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Proven record of technical ownership — driving problems to resolution across team and organizational boundaries</li>

<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Proficiency with CAD tools and PLM software</li>

</ul>

<p><strong>Preferred Skills and Experience</strong></p>

<ul>

<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">3+ years of propulsion fluid systems experience on spacecraft or launch vehicles</li>

<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Experience with hypergolic, cryogenic, or other spacecraft-grade propellants</li>

<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Test or launch site operations experience, including coordination with range safety and launch site personnel</li>

<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Prior experience leading a technical team or sub-discipline, formally or informally</li>

<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Track record of developing and enforcing engineering standards or design guidelines within a propulsion organization</li>

<li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Strong technical communication skills — precision and clarity in work instructions, engineering specs, assembly procedures, and memos</li>

</ul>

<p><strong>Pay Range</strong></p>

<ul>

<li>Salary Range: Eng II: $119,543 - $152,749/per year</li>

<li>This role is on-site<strong> </strong>in El Segundo, CA</li>

<li>Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance</li>

<li>You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards</li>

</ul><div class="content-conclusion"><div>

<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Benefits</span></h2>

<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Consider your benefits covered for launch.</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> At Varda, we invest in benefits and perks that support your health, financial well-being, and life beyond work. Benefits vary by position, with packages designed specifically for our regular full-time employees and interns.<br><br></span></p>

<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Regular Full-Time Positions:</span></strong></p>

<p><span data-contrast="auto">Health & Wellness</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>

<ul>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays </span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance </span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">$120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses </span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers) </span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic </span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents </span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

</ul>

<p><span data-contrast="auto">Financial & Retirement</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>

<ul>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up </span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">$20/pay period cell phone reimbursement </span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">Relocation support for new hires, if needed </span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739&quot