Varda Space
Senior Propulsion Engineer - Ground Fluids
$140K–$179K
El Segundo, California, United States · Senior · Full-time · Posted Oct 7, 2026
- Experience
- 3+ years required; equivalent professional experience may be considered for the degree requirement (typically 3-6+ years). 6+ years of propulsion fluid systems experience is preferred.
- Education
- B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent professional experience considered.
- Visa sponsorship
- Only hires U.S. persons permitted to access the company’s export-controlled technology without an export license: U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals admitted as refugees or granted asylum.
About the job
Leads the architecture, development, testing, and operations of ground fluid systems and propellant handling for Varda spacecraft programs.
What you'll do
- Own ground fluid system architecture, design, build, testing, and operations across spacecraft programs.
- Lead propellant loading campaigns and establish safe, reliable handling processes and engineering standards.
- Set the ground fluids roadmap, represent the discipline in cross-functional reviews, and mentor engineers.
What they ask for
- B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent professional experience considered.
- 3+ years of hands-on propulsion fluid system definition, design, build, and test for spacecraft or launch vehicles.
- Experience authoring and executing operational procedures for ground test or flight campaigns; proficiency reading and authoring P&IDs.
- Proficiency with CAD tools and PLM software.
Nice to have
- Experience with hypergolic, cryogenic, or other spacecraft-grade propellants.
- Test or launch site operations experience, including coordination with range safety and launch site personnel.
Pay
USD 140,333 – USD 179,314 per year (base salary)
Tools
Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), CAD tools, PLM software, 91-710
Model-written summary · the original posting is authoritative