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# Payloads - Principal Fluid Systems Engineer

- **Company:** KELTIA DESIGN INC
- **Location:** Mountain View, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Experienced
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Requirements Management, Systems Integration, Test Scripts, Front End Software Development
- **Published:** November 6, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.careerbuilder.com/job-details/payloads-principal-fluid-systems-engineer-mountain-view-ca--e260bc6a-15bd-4651-b00a-13b91a5c70bf

## About the Role

Fluid Systems Engineering, Wheel/Front-End Loader, Requirements Management, Wheel/Front-End Loader, Drug Manufacturing, Drug Development, Fluid Systems Engineering, Component Selection, Thermal Management, Validation Testing, * BS/BEng in Mechanical, Aerospace, Mechatronics, Biomedical, Chemical, or related engineering discipline

 * 7+ years of experience designing, integrating, testing, and troubleshooting electromechanical hardware
 * Deep mechanical and fluid systems expertise with breadth in at least two adjacent disciplines such as avionics, software, thermal, optics, test, precision instrumentation, etc.
 * Track record leading project teams through full-cycle electromechanical space flight hardware development
 * Extensive experience with valves, pumps, pistons, tubing, manifolds, fittings, seals, filters, sensors, metering hardware, thermal-control hardware, and/or compact fluidic assemblies
 * Excellent communication skills with customer, executive, and cross-disciplinary technical audiences

Preferred Skills and Experience

 * 3+ years of cross-functional project leadership experience
 * Prior full-cycle technical leadership of precision fluid-handling hardware for relevant applications
 * In Space: ECLSS, low-thrust propulsion, astronaut suits, spacecraft thermal control, etc.
 * On Earth: semiconductor process equipment, biotech process equipment, analytical instruments, medical devices, etc.
 * Extensive experience planning and executing aerospace environmental testing (vibration, TVAC, EMI/EMC)
 * Familiarity with microgravity fluid behavior, capillary-driven flows, gas/liquid separation, two-phase flow, cGMP principles, cleanroom practices, or regulated hardware environments

## Description

* Define requirements, architecture, and development plans for pharmaceutical manufacturing payloads
 * Establish fluid system design standards for component selection and qualification, sealing, contamination control, thermal control, and verification/validation
 * Lead project teams to develop of precision fluid systems incorporating valves, pumps, pistons, manifolds, tubing, fittings, seals, filters, sensors, and thermal control systems
 * Drive system-level analyses, trade studies, and risk reduction using a variety of tools (hand calcs, Python/MATLAB models, FEA, etc. as needed)
 * Lead build and test campaigns for prototypes and flight hardware to characterize performance and reliability
 * Synthesize cross-functional inputs from business development, pharmaceutical science, process engineering, and spacecraft subsystem teams to develop requirements for new pharmaceutical payloads
 * Develop standards for subsystem requirements, ICDs, verification plans, test reports, and recovery procedures
 * Represent Varda in technical discussions with internal leadership, external partners, customers, and government stakeholders
 * Lead continuous improvement and incorporation of lessons learned
 * Mentor senior and entry-level engineers and shape best practices