Propulsion Engineer I - Ground Fluids

About this role

About Varda

Low 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 the Role

Varda is looking for a Propulsion Engineer I to join our Ground Fluids team and help build the systems that get our spacecraft fueled, tested, and ready to fly.

In this role, you will take ownership of ground propulsion fluid systems across Varda's spacecraft programs, contributing to architecture, design, build, and hands-on operations. You'll work alongside experienced propulsion engineers to define how we handle propellants, execute loading operations, and ensure every system meets the reliability and specification standards that mission success demands.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the architecture, design, fabrication, and operation of ground fluid systems supporting Varda spacecraft fueling, testing, and launch preparation

• Execute propellant loading operations across multiple Varda facilities, following established safety and quality standards

• Support the development and continuous improvement of Varda's propellant handling processes, ensuring commodities meet flight specifications

• Author and execute operational procedures for ground test and flight campaigns

• Develop and interpret Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)

• Work cross-functionally with propulsion, systems, and operations teams to drive projects to completion

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline, with consideration given to equivalent professional experience (typically 0–1.5+ years)

• 1.5+ years of experience in propulsion fluid system definition, design, build, and/or test for spacecraft or launch vehicles

• Working knowledge of fluid system hardware: pressurized components, tubing, fittings, seals, valves, and instrumentation

• Experience authoring and executing operational procedures for test or flight

• Ability to read and author Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)

• Proficiency with CAD tools and PLM software

• Strong sense of ownership — ability to take initiative, identify problems, and drive them to resolution

• Ability to adapt and perform in a fast-paced, highly technical environment

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 3+ years of propulsion fluid systems experience on spacecraft or launch vehicles

• Familiarity with 91-710 or equivalent range safety requirements

• Experience with spacecraft-grade propellants

• Hands-on experience with fluid system manufacturing processes and installation methods

• Strong technical communication skills — precision and clarity in work instructions, engineering specifications, and assembly procedures

Pay Range

• Salary Range: Eng I: $109,148 -$139,466/per year

• This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA

• Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance

• You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards

Benefits

Varda 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 options

• Voluntary 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 celebrations

• Complimentary EV charging

ITAR Requirements

Varda, 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-control

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