Principal Propulsion Engineer - Ground Fluids

2w2 weeks ago

Varda Space

El Segundo, US · Full-time · $181,913 – $232,444

About this role

As the Principal Propulsion Engineer - Ground Fluids, you will serve as the technical authority for Varda's ground fluid systems, the backbone of every mission flown. You'll set the strategy, write the standards, and build the infrastructure that gets Varda spacecraft off the ground and into orbit.

You will own the full lifecycle of ground fluid systems, from architecture and design through build, test, and live flight operations. This includes leading propellant loading campaigns across multiple sites and defining the operational approach as the company scales.

Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable reentry capsules. The team is comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies, and Silicon Valley, working to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.

In this role, you will drive the ground fluids roadmap, identify capability gaps, and help shape the team as it grows. You will also mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers, serving as the technical reviewer they rely on and the final escalation point for complex problems.

Requirements

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent professional experience considered (typically 6-10+ years)
6+ years of hands-on experience in propulsion fluid system definition, design, build, and test for spacecraft or launch vehicles
Deep working knowledge of fluid system hardware: pressurized components, tubing, fittings, seals, valves, and instrumentation
Experience serving as a technical authority or subject matter expert for ground fluid systems
Proven ability to lead propellant loading campaigns and define propellant handling processes
Strong background in authoring technical standards, work instructions, and engineering documentation

Responsibilities

Own the end-to-end architecture, schematics, mechanical design, build, and operations for ground fluid systems across Varda's spacecraft programs, including satellite bus GSE, thruster development test stands, and component acceptance test hardware
Lead propellant loading campaigns across multiple Varda sites, setting the standard 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 by identifying capability gaps, prioritizing investments, and helping shape the team as we grow
Author and maintain technical standards, work instructions, and engineering documentation that the whole propulsion organization builds on
Mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers, serving as the technical reviewer they rely on
Represent ground fluids in cross-functional design reviews, launch site coordination, and partner discussions
Serve as the final escalation point when problems get complex and drive them to resolution

Benefits

Work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem at a company accelerating the orbital economy
Join a team of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies, and Silicon Valley
Be part of a company with significant backing from world-class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, and General Catalyst
Headquartered in El Segundo, California with offices and a production facility where vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested