Senior Propulsion Engineer - Hardware and Bus Systems

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 Propulsion Engineer – Hardware & Bus Systems , you will serve as the technical authority for spacecraft propulsion subsystems integrated within the satellite bus, the foundational architecture that every mission depends on. You'll be setting the strategy, defining the standards and building the propulsion infrastructure that gets spacecraft off the ground and into orbit. You'll own the full lifecycle of propulsion hardware and bus-integrated fluid systems, from architecture and design through build, test, anomaly resolution and live flight operations. You'll lead propellant loading and engine test campaigns across multiple sites, define our operational approach as we scale, and serve as the technical north star for the broader propulsion team. Responsibilities Own it end-to-end: architecture, schematics, mechanical design, build, and operations for propulsion hardware and bus-integrated fluid systems across spacecraft programs, including satellite bus GSE, engine development test stands, and component acceptance test hardware Lead propellant loading campaigns and engine test operations across multiple sites, setting the standard for safety, efficiency, and reliability, including console operations for development and flight engines Define propellant handling and combustion system processes from the ground up, ensuring every commodity and subsystem meets flight specifications Drive the propulsion hardware roadmap: identify capability gaps, lead combustion stability and subscale component test programs, and help shape the team as we grow Set the standard: author and maintain technical standards, work instructions, test and fill procedures and engineering documentation, including pass/fail criteria which the entire propulsion organization will build on Grow the next generation: mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers; serve as the technical reviewer they rely on Represent propulsion hardware in cross-functional design reviews, launch site coordination, and partner discussions Serve as the final escalation point when anomalies get complex, lead investigations and drive them to resolution across organizational boundaries Basic Qualifications B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent professional experience considered (typically 3–6+ 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, including console operations Proficiency in reading and authoring Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) Hands-on experience with fluid system manufacturing processes, installation methods, and CNC-based tooling Familiarity with 91-710 or equivalent range safety requirements Proven record of technical ownership, driving anomaly investigations and 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, including high-performance engines such as LOX-rich staged combustion cycles Experience with cryogenic, hypergolic, or other spacecraft-grade propellants, including combustion stability analysis and subscale component test programs Test or launch site operations experience, including coordination with range safety and launch site personnel; experience as a certified Test Responsible Engineer is a strong plus Prior experience leading a technical team or sub-discipline, formally or informally, across engine integration, first-stage support, or bus-level propulsion campaigns Track record of developing and enforcing engineering standards or design guidelines, including regenerative cooling system analysis, 1D fluid modeling, and CFD,  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/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, a