Principal Propulsion Engineer - Ground Fluids

About VardaLow 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. 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.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. 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. 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. Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.About This RoleAs the Principal Propulsion Engineer - Ground Fluids, you will to serve as the technical authority for our ground fluid systems, the backbone of every mission we fly. You'll be setting the strategy, writing the standards and building the infrastructure that gets Varda spacecraft off the ground and into orbit.You'll own the full lifecycle of ground fluid systems, from architecture and design through build, test and live flight operations. You'll lead propellant loading campaigns across multiple sites, define our operational approach as we scale and serve as the technical subject matter expert for the broader propulsion team. ResponsibilitiesOwn it 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 hardwareLead propellant loading campaigns across multiple Varda sites, setting the standard for safety, efficiency, and reliabilityDefine Varda's propellant handling processes from the ground up, ensuring every commodity meets flight specificationsDrive the ground fluids roadmap: identify capability gaps, prioritize investments, and help shape the team as we growSet the standard: author and maintain technical standards, work instructions, and engineering documentation that the whole propulsion organization builds onGrow the next generation: mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers; serve as the technical reviewer they rely onRepresent ground fluids in cross-functional design reviews, launch site coordination, and partner discussionsServe as the final escalation point when problems get complex and drive them to resolutionBasic QualificationsB.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 vehiclesDeep working knowledge of fluid system hardware: pressurized components, tubing, fittings, seals, valves, and instrumentationDemonstrated experience authoring and executing operational procedures for ground test or flight campaignsProficiency in reading and authoring Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)Hands-on experience with fluid system manufacturing processes and installation methodsFamiliarity with 91-710 or equivalent range safety requirementsProven record of technical ownership, driving problems to resolution across organizational boundariesProficiency with CAD tools and PLM softwarePreferred Skills and Experience6+ years of propulsion fluid systems experience on spacecraft or launch vehiclesExperience with hypergolic, cryogenic, or other spacecraft-grade propellantsTest or launch site operations experience, including coordination with range safety and launch site personnelPrior experience leading a technical team or sub-discipline, formally or informallyTrack record of developing and enforcing engineering standards or design guidelines within a propulsion organizationExceptional technical communication skills, precision and clarity in work instructions, engineering specifications, assembly procedures, and engineering memosPay RangeSalary Range: Principal: $181,913- $232,444/per yearThis role is on-site in El Segundo, CALeveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performanceYou will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awardsBenefitsVarda offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial well‑being, and a high‑quality workplace experience. Below is an overview of what full‑time employees receive (at this time, interns receive a subset of benefits): Health & Wellness Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA optionsVoluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses 12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers) Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents Financial & Retirement Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)$20/pay period cell phone reimbursement Relocation support for new hires, if needed Workplace Experience & Perks Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrationsComplimentary EV chargingITAR RequirementsVarda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our policy is to only hire “U.S. persons” who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license.“US person” means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum).E-Verify StatementVarda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.E-Verify Notice Right To Work NoticeRead moreRead moreVarda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.