Senior Propulsion Development 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 Senior or 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 won't just be executing someone else's vision. 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 north star for the broader propulsion team. This role is open at the Senior and Principal level, with levels determined based on candidate experience. 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 3–10+ years) 3+ 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 6–10+ 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:  Senior: $140,333- $179,314 Principal: $181,913- $232,444 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