Principal Propulsion Engineer - Ground Fluids

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 This Role

As 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.

Responsibilities

Own 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 hardware

Lead propellant loading campaigns across multiple Varda sites, setting the standard for safety, efficiency, and reliability

Define Varda's propellant handling processes from the ground up, ensuring every commodity meets flight specifications

Drive the ground fluids roadmap: identify capability gaps, prioritize investments, and help shape the team as we grow

Set the standard: author and maintain technical standards, work instructions, and engineering documentation that the whole propulsion organization builds on

Grow the next generation: mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers; serve as the technical reviewer they rely on

Represent ground fluids in cross-functional design reviews, launch site coordination, and partner discussions

Serve as the final escalation point when problems get complex and drive them to resolution

Basic Qualifications

B.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 vehicles

Deep working knowledge of fluid system hardware: pressurized components, tubing, fittings, seals, valves, and instrumentation

Demonstrated experience authoring and executing operational procedures for ground test or flight campaigns

Proficiency in reading and authoring Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P IDs)

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

Familiarity with 91-710 or equivalent range safety requirements

Proven record of technical ownership, driving problems to resolution across organizational boundaries

Proficiency with CAD tools and PLM software

Preferred Skills and Experience

6+ 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, including coordination with range safety and launch site personnel

Prior experience leading a technical team or sub-discipline, formally or informally

Track record of developing and enforcing engineering standards or design guidelines within a propulsion organization

Exceptional technical communication skills, precision and clarity in work instructions, engineering specifications, assembly procedures, and engineering memos

Pay Range

Salary Range: Principal: $181,913- $232,444/per year

This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA

Leveling and base salary is determined by job…