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Varda Space

In-orbit manufacturing with reentry return services

Propulsion Engineer 2 - Ground Fluids

PropulsionConfirmed live in the last 24 hours
Full-timeEl Segundo, CA, USA

About the Job

Requirements

  • A B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline, with equivalent professional experience considered; typically 1–3+ years.
  • At least 1 year of hands-on experience in propulsion fluid system design, build, and test for spacecraft or launch vehicles.
  • Deep working knowledge of fluid system hardware, including 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.
  • A record of technical ownership, driving problems to resolution across team and organizational boundaries.
  • Proficiency with computer-aided design (CAD) tools and product lifecycle management (PLM) software.

Responsibilities

  • Own ground fluid systems end-to-end, including architecture, P&IDs, mechanical design, fabrication, and operations, spanning satellite bus ground support equipment (GSE), thruster development test stands, and component acceptance test hardware.
  • Lead propellant loading campaigns across multiple Varda facilities, maintaining high standards of safety, efficiency, and mission readiness.
  • Define and continuously improve propellant handling processes, ensuring all commodities meet flight specifications.
  • Drive the ground fluids roadmap by identifying capability gaps, prioritizing investments, and helping build out the team.
  • Author and maintain technical standards, work instructions, assembly procedures, and engineering documentation used across the propulsion organization.
  • Mentor junior and mid-level engineers and serve as the primary technical reviewer for ground fluids work products.
  • Represent ground fluids in cross-functional design reviews, launch site coordination meetings, and partner discussions.
  • Serve as the final technical escalation point for complex fluid system problems and drive them to closure.

Desired Qualifications

  • At least 3 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.
  • A track record of developing and enforcing engineering standards or design guidelines within a propulsion organization.
  • Strong technical communication skills, with precision and clarity in work instructions, engineering specifications, assembly procedures, and memos.

About the Company

Varda Space

In-orbit manufacturing with reentry return services

Varda Space Industries provides in-space manufacturing by operating production facilities in low Earth orbit and returning finished goods to Earth using reentry capsules. Clients send materials or designs to Varda’s in-orbit production line, where microgravity enables manufacturing processes not possible on Earth. After production, capsules re-enter Earth's atmosphere to deliver goods back to customers, supported by in-orbit equipment and reliable reentry systems. The company aims to make low Earth orbit accessible for multiple industries by building end-to-end space manufacturing infrastructure and industrializing orbit for commercial use.

Company size
201-500
Company stage
Series D
Total funding
$609.5M
Headquarters
El Segundo, CA
Founded
2020

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