Director of Propulsion Engineering

Responsibilities

• Own the definition and development of the propulsion engineering technology roadmap to achieve company objectives
• Design, implement, and uphold propulsion engineering systems from concept development to recovered vehicles
• Lead, manage, and grow a team of propulsion engineers across systems, fluid components, combustion devices, and test
• Set technical direction to improve designs, processes, and flight operations to increase cadence
• Drive cross-functional alignment with vehicle architecture, manufacturing, test execution, and launch operations
• Define and enforce rigorous engineering standards from project kickoff through flight

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in aerospace spacecraft or launch vehicle propulsion engineering (design, build, test, and flight)
• 3+ years of leadership or management experience
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Math, or Physics
• Proficiency with CAD and PLM software
• U.S. Person status (required for access to export-controlled data)
• Strong fundamentals in fluid systems, components, combustion, and/or mechanical engineering

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in aerospace propulsion engineering
• 4+ years of experience leading an engineering team
• Experience building engineering teams and processes from zero to one
• Experience with in-space engine design, vacuum testing, or propellant tank design
• Experience with Siemens NX or similar CAD software

Benefits

• Equity in a fully funded space startup
• 401(k) matching
• Unlimited PTO
• Health insurance, including Vision and Dental
• On-site lunch and snacks daily, with dinners provided twice a week
• Maternity and Paternity leave

About the Company

Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind by creating the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth.