Will Bruey: Visionary CEO and Co-Founder of Varda Space Industries
The name Will Bruey has become increasingly prominent in the aerospace and technology industries. From his early engineering days to becoming the co-founder and CEO of Varda Space Industries, Bruey represents a new era of entrepreneurial leadership. His journey includes hands-on spacecraft operations at SpaceX, leadership roles in global finance technology, and the bold vision of building a future where manufacturing extends into space. This article explores his education, career trajectory, achievements, and the innovative companies he has shaped.
Early Life and Education
Cornell University Foundation
Will Bruey began his academic career at Cornell University, one of the nation’s top Ivy League institutions. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics/Applied Physics between 2007 and 2011. During his undergraduate years, Bruey engaged in a variety of extracurricular activities, including the Cornell Violet Satellite Project, where he led the Attitude Control Subsystem team. He also participated in tutoring programs, club baseball, and Sigma Nu fraternity.
Bruey continued his education at Cornell with a Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering (2011–2012). His graduate thesis focused on Wireless Sensor Networks for Use in Space Systems, which foreshadowed his future work in aerospace innovation. His strong academic performance, combined with leadership in student projects, gave him the foundation for his future roles in technology and engineering.
Early Engineering Experience
Cornell Synchrotron Accelerator
While studying at Cornell, Bruey worked as an Electrical Engineer at the Cornell Synchrotron Accelerator from 2009 to 2012. Here, he researched, developed, and built a power controller system used to draw vacuum in the accelerator—a system that remains in use to this day. This role honed his technical expertise and ability to design systems that could withstand demanding conditions.
Space Systems Loral (SSL)
In 2009–2010, Bruey also contributed as an Electrical Systems Engineer at SSL in Palo Alto, California. At SSL, he authored contingency procedures for the ViaSat-1 Spacecraft Data Handling Subsystem and gained valuable experience in diagnosing hardware and software issues. His ability to combine practical engineering with detailed documentation and analysis set him apart early in his career.
SpaceX: Hands-On Spacecraft Operations
Perhaps the most transformative stage of Will Bruey’s career came during his five years and eight months at SpaceX.
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Lead Hardware Development Engineer (2012–2017): Bruey acted as project manager, lead designer, and responsible engineer for spacecraft avionics. He designed circuits, custom communication protocols, and managed hardware development teams ranging from three to twelve engineers.
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Spacecraft Operator – Systems Officer (2013–2018): As a mission control operator, Bruey was at the console for SpaceX’s Dragon 1 spacecraft during every phase of flight, including launch, phasing, rendezvous, and reentry. His operational expertise was crucial during NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services missions to the International Space Station. He was even slated to be involved in SpaceX’s maiden commercial astronaut mission on Dragon 2.
During his tenure at SpaceX, Bruey received the NASA Achievement Award (2014) for his outstanding work developing capabilities and operations to support the first external payload transfers for SpaceX. His contributions, including the development of the Video System for ISS robotics operations, earned him high recognition.
Transition to Finance Technology
In 2018, Will Bruey transitioned into finance technology, becoming Director of Global Equities Technology at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Based in New York, he worked for nearly three years building and overseeing systems that supported one of the world’s largest financial institutions. This role gave him exposure to the intersection of advanced technology and large-scale global operations.
Entrepreneurial Leadership
Also Capital
In 2019, Bruey co-founded Also Capital, an investment firm where he served as partner. This venture reflected his entrepreneurial instincts and broadened his expertise into the financial and investment world, further preparing him for his biggest venture yet.
Varda Space Industries
In late 2020, Will Bruey co-founded Varda Space Industries and became its Chief Executive Officer. Headquartered in El Segundo, California, Varda’s mission is to revolutionize manufacturing by leveraging the conditions of microgravity in orbit. The company focuses on producing high-value products, particularly pharmaceuticals, that cannot be efficiently created on Earth due to gravitational limitations.
Under Bruey’s leadership, Varda has grown rapidly:
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Innovative Manufacturing: The company’s reentry capsules are designed to bring space-manufactured materials safely back to Earth.
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Pharmaceutical Partnerships: Varda collaborates with pharmaceutical companies to explore drug formulations only possible in microgravity.
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Flight Milestones: Varda launched its first spacecraft in 2023 aboard a SpaceX Falcon-9 and has since executed multiple reentries in the U.S. and Australia.
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Funding Success: The company has raised over $300 million in venture funding, including a massive Series C round in 2025.
Bruey describes microgravity as a “new knob” for drug manufacturing, likening it to the transformative role refrigeration once played for the pharmaceutical industry. His vision is not only to lead in space manufacturing but also to expand into hypersonic testing and other commercial applications of reentry technology.
Honors and Awards
Throughout his career, Will Bruey has accumulated prestigious recognition:
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NASA Achievement Award (2014): For outstanding work supporting SpaceX’s first external payload transfers.
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Mission Leadership Recognition: For operating multiple ISS supply missions from SpaceX mission control.
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Industry Leadership: Recognition as a top innovator in space technology through his role at Varda Space Industries.
Additional Skills and Certifications
Bruey is not only an accomplished engineer and executive but also a certified Private Pilot (FAA, 2013) and PADI Open Water Diver (2016). These certifications reflect his adventurous spirit and dedication to mastering technical challenges across multiple domains.
Conclusion
The professional journey of Will Bruey is a powerful example of how technical expertise, visionary leadership, and entrepreneurial drive can converge to redefine industries. From building avionics systems at SpaceX to running mission control operations, from directing global finance technology systems at Bank of America to co-founding Varda Space Industries, Bruey has consistently demonstrated innovation and resilience.
Today, as the CEO of Varda, he stands at the forefront of an emerging era where space is no longer just about exploration—it is about production, commerce, and the transformation of industries on Earth. With his record of success, Will Bruey will remain a pivotal figure in the future of aerospace and space-enabled manufacturing.
