About 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, and test for spacecraft or launch vehicles
- Deep, demonstrated understanding of fluid system components: pressurized hardware, tubing, fittings, seals, valves, and instrumentation
- Proven experience authoring and executing operational procedures for ground test or flight campaigns
- Proficiency in authoring and interpreting Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
- Direct experience with fluid system manufacturing processes and installation methods
- Familiarity with 91-710 or equivalent range safety specifications
- Track record of technical ownership — driving problems to resolution across organizational boundaries
- Proficiency with CAD and product lifecycle management (PLM) software
Preferred Skills & Experience
- 8+ years in propulsion fluid systems for spacecraft or rockets
- Experience with hypergolic, cryogenic, or other spacecraft propellants
- Test or launch site fluid systems operations experience, including coordinating with range safety and launch site personnel
- Prior experience leading a technical team or sub-discipline — formally or informally
- Experience developing and enforcing engineering standards or design guidelines for a propulsion organization
- Exceptional technical communication skills: precision and clarity across work instructions, specs, assembly procedures, and engineering memos
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $133,000 – $175,000 per year
Job-related skills, education, experience, and performance determine leveling and base salary. You’ll also be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards.
- Equity in a fully funded space startup with serious growth potential
- 401(k) matching
- ️ Unlimited PTO
- Health, vision, and dental insurance
- Daily lunch and snacks on site; dinners twice a week
- Maternity/Paternity leave
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
02 Aplyr's read
Varda Space Industries pioneers in-space manufacturing, attracting talent passionate about revolutionizing material production in microgravity environments.
What's promising
- •Varda is at the forefront of in-space manufacturing, a nascent yet promising industry.
- •The company offers roles across diverse fields, from engineering to cybersecurity, indicating robust growth.
- •Varda's focus on microgravity environments opens unique research and development opportunities.
What to watch
- •In-space manufacturing is an emerging field with uncertain market demand.
- •The company may face high operational costs due to the complexity of space-based projects.
- •Regulatory challenges in aerospace could impact project timelines and costs.
Why Varda Space Industries
- •Varda focuses on manufacturing in microgravity, a niche with few direct competitors.
- •The company integrates aerospace engineering with pharmaceutical and biologics research.
- •Varda's roles span from technical engineering to hospitality, reflecting a broad operational scope.
Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?
03 About Varda Space Industries
Varda Space Industries is a company focused on developing technology for in-space manufacturing, aiming to revolutionize the production of materials and products in microgravity environments.
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