Propulsion Engineer I - Hardware and Bus Systems

The role

You will be a technical owner of the propulsion subsystem and hardware across Varda's spacecraft fleet. You will perform design, analysis, testing, and operations for vehicles on the ground and in orbit.

What you will do

• Support and maintain the Varda spacecraft propulsion system technical baseline
• Design, analyze, and test Varda satellite bus propulsion flight hardware and components
• Execute propulsion system block upgrades on operational vehicles
• Support requirements definition for future Varda vehicles
• Generate propulsion performance analysis products
• Build Python scripts and spreadsheet tools to automate workflows
• Execute detailed mechanical design of propulsion hardware and fluid system components
• Perform structural analysis using FEA tools
• Author and review design documentation, specs, and procedures
• Support in-flight propulsion operations and disposition hardware nonconformances

Required qualifications

• BS. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline; equivalent professional experience considered
• Experience in hands-on propulsion or fluid systems design, build, and/or test for spacecraft or launch vehicles
• Working knowledge of flight fluid system hardware: pressurized components, tubing, fittings, seals, valves, and instrumentation
• Ability to read P&IDs
• Proficiency with CAD tools (e.g., NX, SolidWorks, CATIA, or other) and PLM software
• Experience authoring or executing operational procedures for ground test or flight campaigns
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of assigned technical tasks and drive them to resolution

Nice to have

• 1+ year of spacecraft or launch vehicle propulsion experience
• Familiarity with satellite bus-level propulsion architectures
• Graduate coursework included
• Experience building Python, MATLAB, or other scripts or spreadsheet tools
• Exposure to structural analysis using ANSYS, NASTRAN, or equivalent FEA tools
• Familiarity with technical drawing review and GD&T per ASME Y14.5 standards
• Exposure to high-pressure fluid systems and spacecraft-grade propellants
• Test, launch site, or in-flight operational experience on spacecraft or launch vehicles
• Familiarity with 1D fluid modeling & analysis tools (GFSSP, REFPROP, or similar)
• Strong technical communication skills

Benefits

• Stock options
• Long-term cash awards

Before you apply

• Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual)
• Must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.

About the company

Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. The company is headquartered in El Segundo, California.