Sr. Propulsion Engineer - Ground Fluids
Varda SpaceAbout the role
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.
Senior Propulsion Engineer
Ground Fluids
El Segundo, California, United States | Full-Time, On-Site
About This Role
This isn’t a “maintain the status quo” role. This is a build-the-future role.
Varda is looking for a Senior Propulsion Engineer 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.
If you’ve been deep in the trenches of propulsion for years and you’re ready to step up as the person who sets the direction, this is your seat.
Responsibilities
- Own it end-to-end: Architecture, schematics, mechanical design, build, and operations for ground fluid systems across Varda’s spacecraft programs — including critical satellite bus GSE, thruster development test stands, and component ATP hardware.
- Lead propellant loading campaigns across multiple Varda sites, setting the bar 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 shape the team as we grow.
- Set the standard: author and maintain technical standards, work instructions, and engineering documentation that the whole team builds on.
- Grow the next generation: mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers; be the technical reviewer they rely on.
- Be the face of ground fluids in cross-functional reviews, launch site coordination, and partner discussions.
- Solve the hard problems: serve as the final escalation point when things get complex — and drive them to resolution.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical, or a related engineering field
- 6+ years of hands-on experience in propulsion fluid system definition, design, build, a
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