Senior Propulsion Engineer - Hardware and Bus Systems

2w2 weeks ago

Varda Space

El Segundo, US · Full-time · $140,333 – $179,314

About this role

As the Senior Propulsion Engineer – Hardware & Bus Systems, you will serve as the technical authority for spacecraft propulsion subsystems integrated within the satellite bus. You'll set the strategy, define standards, and build the propulsion infrastructure that gets spacecraft into orbit.

You will own the full lifecycle of propulsion hardware and bus-integrated fluid systems, from architecture and design through build, test, anomaly resolution, and live flight operations. You'll lead propellant loading and engine test campaigns across multiple sites, setting the standard for safety, efficiency, and reliability.

Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable reentry capsules. Our vehicles are built, designed, and operated entirely in-house, including the payloads, capsules, heat shields, and satellite buses. The propulsion team works across a cutting-edge production facility in El Segundo.

This role offers the opportunity to drive the propulsion hardware roadmap, author technical standards, and mentor junior engineers as the organization scales. You'll be the technical north star for the broader propulsion team, shaping how Varda expands the economic bounds of humankind.

Requirements

Proven experience designing, building, and operating spacecraft propulsion subsystems and bus-integrated fluid systems.
Strong understanding of propellant loading operations, engine test campaigns, and console operations for development and flight engines.
Deep knowledge of fluid system architecture, schematics, and mechanical design for satellite buses and ground support equipment.
Demonstrated ability to define technical standards, work instructions, and acceptance test procedures for propulsion hardware.
Experience leading anomaly investigations and root cause analysis for propulsion systems in a production or flight environment.
Track record of mentoring engineers and serving as a technical authority on cross-functional teams.
Hands-on experience with propellant handling, combustion systems, and safety protocols for spacecraft propulsion.
Ability to coordinate across multiple sites and represent propulsion in design reviews, launch operations, and partner discussions.

Responsibilities

Own the end-to-end architecture, schematics, mechanical design, build, and operations for propulsion hardware and bus-integrated fluid systems across spacecraft programs.
Lead propellant loading campaigns and engine test operations across multiple sites, setting the standard for safety, efficiency, and reliability.
Define propellant handling and combustion system processes from the ground up, ensuring every commodity and subsystem meets flight specifications.
Drive the propulsion hardware roadmap: identify capability gaps, lead combustion stability and subscale component test programs, and help shape the team as we grow.
Author and maintain technical standards, work instructions, test and fill procedures, and engineering documentation with pass/fail criteria.
Mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers; serve as the technical reviewer they rely on.
Represent propulsion hardware in cross-functional design reviews, launch site coordination, and partner discussions.
Serve as the final escalation point for complex anomalies, leading investigations and driving resolutions across the organization.

Benefits

Work at Varda's El Segundo headquarters with offices, production facility, and test capabilities.
Join a team uniquely suited to commercial space infrastructure, with leadership and staff from SpaceX, Blue Origin, and major pharmaceutical companies.
Be part of a company building vehicles entirely in-house, from pharmaceutical processing payloads to reentry capsules and satellite buses.
Opportunity to shape the propulsion organization as it scales and define industry-leading standards.