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 (coming soon).

Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.

About This Role

Varda Space Industries is seeking a Sr Propulsion Development Engineer to be responsible for development of chemical propulsion engines for Varda spacecraft. You will have ownership over designs from a clean sheet through architecture definition, detail design, build, test, and deployment. You will coordinate with teams of engineers within and external to Propulsion in support of delivering hardware that satisfies system requirements. We are looking to optimize our propulsion system for our current and future generation space vehicles. Ready to grow with us?

Responsibilities

Lead development of chemical propulsion engines
Perform engine sizing analysis and define configuration from a clean sheet
Generate and own project plans, including determining development milestones, critical tasking of team members, and on-time execution
Manage definition of interfaces between propulsion hardware and the vehicle
Develop and execute the verification plan
Act as on-console RE for hazardous testing
Perform design analysis as necessary

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or higher in an applicable technical field
8+ years in rocket engine development
2+ years as an engine lead or combustion devices lead preferred but not required
In-space propulsion experience preferred but not required
Understanding of combustion device design and analysis, including at least 2 of the following:
Combustion chamber cooling techniques such as regenerative cooling or film cooling
Performance prediction methodologies
Thermo-structural analysis
Injector configuration selection, sizing, and design
Familiarity with typical propulsion materials and manufacturing techniques
Willingness and ability to take ownership of problems and drive projects to completion
Ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic highly technical environment

Preferred Skills and Experience

Experience with spacecraft propellants
Extensive engine development test experience with multiple break-fix cycles

Pay Range

Salary Range: $125,000.00 - $170,000.00/per year
This role is on-sitein 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

ITAR Requirements

Varda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. At present, some of our technology to which employees have access requires a license to be exported to individuals other than “U.S. Persons” as defined in U.S. export regulations. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our current policy is to only hire “U.S. persons” who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license.

“US person” means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum in the U.S.)
Learn more about the ITAR here.

Benefits

Exciting team of professionals at the top of their field working by your side
Equity in a fully funded space startup with potential for significant growth (interns excluded)
401(k) matching (interns excluded)
Unlimited PTO (interns excluded)
Health insurance, including Vision and Dental
Lunch and snacks provided on site every day. Dinners provided twice a week.
Maternity / Paternity leave (interns excluded)

Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

E-Verify Statement

Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.

E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice

Senior Propulsion Development Engineer

Varda Space

Compensation Overview

About Varda

ITAR Requirements

Benefits

E-Verify Statement

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