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 the Role Varda is looking for a Propulsion Engineer  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. This role is open at the Engineer I level, with levels determined based on candidate experience. 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 closely related field; equivalent professional experience considered 1+ 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 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 Dog-friendly office space 🐕   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 employe