Varda Space
Propulsion Engineer II - Ground Fluids
$120K–$153K
El Segundo, California, United States · Full-time · Posted Oct 7, 2026
- Experience
- 1+ years required in propulsion fluid systems; typically 1–3+ years of equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of the specified degree. Preferred: 3+ years of propulsion fluid systems experience.
- Education
- B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline; consideration given to equivalent professional experience.
- Visa sponsorship
- Must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. and be a “U.S. person” permitted access to export-controlled technology without an export license.
About the job
Owns the lifecycle of ground fluid systems across Varda spacecraft programs, from design and fabrication through testing, propellant loading, and flight operations.
What you'll do
- Design, build, test, and operate ground fluid systems and related hardware.
- Lead propellant loading campaigns and establish safe, flight-compliant handling processes and standards.
- Set the ground fluids roadmap, review technical work, mentor engineers, and resolve complex system problems.
What they ask for
- B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline, with consideration given to equivalent professional experience.
- 1+ years of hands-on propulsion fluid system design, build, and test experience for spacecraft or launch vehicles.
- Experience authoring and executing operational procedures for ground tests or flight campaigns; proficiency reading and authoring P&IDs.
- Hands-on fluid system manufacturing and installation experience; familiarity with 91-710 or equivalent range safety requirements; proficiency with CAD and PLM software.
Nice to have
- 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, prior technical team or sub-discipline leadership, or experience developing engineering standards.
Pay
USD 119,543 - 152,749 per year (base salary)
Tools
Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), CAD, PLM, 91-710
Model-written summary · the original posting is authoritative