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Varda Space Industries

Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules.

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Senior Propulsion Engineer - Ground Fluids

Varda Space Industries

El Segundo, California,... Propulsion 1w ago

Propulsion Engineer - Ground Fluids

Varda Space Industries

El Segundo, California,... Propulsion 1mo ago

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Senior Propulsion Engineer - Ground Fluids

Varda Space Industries · El Segundo, California, United States

Apply now

Propulsion 225 S Aviation Posted Apr 29, 2026

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.

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

Varda Space Industries is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer to be responsible for ground propulsion fluid systems for Varda spacecraft. This person will take ownership of the architecture, design, and operation of fluid systems that support spacecraft fueling, testing, and launch preparation. Your expertise will ensure the reliability and performance of systems essential to mission success. We are looking to optimize our propulsion system for our current and future generation space vehicles. Ready to grow with us?

Responsibilities

Architect, design, build, and operate ground fluid systems for Varda Spacecraft
Lead and execute propellant loading operations across multiple Varda sites
Define and own Varda’s process for propellant handling and ensuring that commodities meet specifications for flight
Own the ground fluids roadmap, including identification of future asset and personnel needs

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or higher in a technical field
6+ years in propulsion fluid system definition, design, build, and test for spacecraft or rockets
Deep understanding of fluid system components such as pressurized hardware, tubing, fittings, seals, valves, instrumentation, etc.
Experience authoring and executing operational procedures for test or flight
Experience authoring and interpreting Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams
Direct experience with fluid system manufacturing processes and installation methods
Familiarity with 91-710 or equivalent range safety specifications
Proficient with CAD and product lifecycle management software
Willingness and ability to take ownership of problems and drive projects to completion
Ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic highly technical environment

Preferred Skills and Experience

8+ years in propulsion fluid systems definition, design, build, and test for spacecraft or rockets
Experience with spacecraft propellants
Test or Launch Site fluid systems operations experience
Strong technical communication skills with exception clarity in authoring work instructions, specifications, and assembly procedures

Pay Range

Salary Range: $133,000.00 - $170,000.00/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

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. At present, some of our technology to which employees have access requires a license to be exported to individuals other than “U.S. Persons” as defined in U.S. export regulations. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our current 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 in the U.S.)
Learn more about the ITAR here.

Benefits

Exciting team of professionals at the top of their field working by your side
Equity in a fully funded space startup with potential for significant growth (interns excluded)
401(k) matching (interns excluded)
Unlimited PTO (interns excluded)
Health insurance, including Vision and Dental
Lunch and snacks provided on site every day. Dinners provided twice a week.
Maternity / Paternity leave (interns excluded)

Varda 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.

E-Verify Statement

Varda 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 Notice

Propulsion Engineer - Ground Fluids

Varda Space Industries · El Segundo, California, United States

Apply now

Propulsion 225 S Aviation Posted Mar 12, 2026

About Varda

Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.

About This Role

Varda Space Industries is seeking a Propulsion Engineer to be responsible for ground propulsion fluid systems for Varda spacecraft.  This person will take ownership of the architecture, design, and operation of fluid systems that support spacecraft fueling, testing, and launch preparation. Your expertise will ensure the reliability and performance of systems essential to mission success. We are looking to optimize our propulsion system for our current and future generation space vehicles. Ready to grow with us?

Responsibilities

Architect, design, build, and operate ground fluid systems for Varda Spacecraft
Lead and execute propellant loading operations across multiple Varda sites
Define and own Varda’s process for propellant handling and ensuring that commodities meet specifications for flight

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or higher in a technical field
2+ years in propulsion fluid system definition, design, build, and test for spacecraft or rockets
Understanding of fluid system components such as pressurized hardware, tubing, fittings, seals, valves, instrumentation, etc.
Experience authoring and executing operational procedures for test or flight
Experience authoring and interpreting Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams
Proficient with CAD and product lifecycle management software
Willingness and ability to take ownership of problems and drive projects to completion
Ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic highly technical environment

Preferred Skills and Experience

5+ years in propulsion fluid systems definition, design, build, and test for spacecraft or rockets
Familiarity with 91-710 or equivalent range safety specifications
Experience with spacecraft propellants
Direct experience with fluid system manufacturing processes and installation methods
Strong technical communication skills with exception clarity in authoring work instructions, specifications, and assembly procedures

Pay Range

Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $145,000.00/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

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. At present, some of our technology to which employees have access requires a license to be exported to individuals other than “U.S. Persons” as defined in U.S. export regulations. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our current 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 in the U.S.)
Learn more about the ITAR here.

Benefits

Exciting team of professionals at the top of their field working by your side
Equity in a fully funded space startup with potential for significant growth (interns excluded)
401(k) matching (interns excluded)
Unlimited PTO (interns excluded)
Health insurance, including Vision and Dental
Lunch and snacks provided on site every day. Dinners provided twice a week.
Maternity / Paternity leave (interns excluded)

E-Verify Statement

E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice