Senior Space Flight Software Engineer Verified today
About Varda
Varda is building commercial space infrastructure for in-orbit pharmaceutical processing and reliable reentry capsules. The W-Series vehicles, payloads, heat shields, and satellite buses are designed and operated entirely in-house. We accelerate innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed to manufacture life-saving pharmaceuticals and advanced materials in space.
About This Role
The Senior Flight Software Engineer determines how our spacecraft behaves and operates in orbit. You will build reliable software across all phases of development, from requirements capture through testing and flight operational support.
Responsibilities
- Develop reliable flight software that determines how the spacecraft, satellite bus, and reentry capsule operate throughout the entire mission.
- Write quality structured bare metal, RTOS, or Linux-based software for embedded processors in C++.
- Own all aspects of software development, from design, testing, and integration.
- Scope projects including requirements capture and initial design trades given open-ended problems.
- Ensure system quality and performance through software test, verification, and validation (V&V) techniques.
- Collaborate with team members to solve problems and communicate findings.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, math, physics, engineering, or equivalent technical experience in safety-critical software.
- 5+ years of experience in the development of spacecraft or similar safety-critical software.
- Proficiency in C++ with strong understanding of language concepts.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- End-to-end experience building and launching a spacecraft.
- Experience developing and testing real-time embedded systems.
- Experience with safety-critical software for aerospace applications.
- Experience with CCSDS telemetry and telecommand systems.
- Experience with F' or cFS framework.
- Experience with Python or Rust.
- Knowledge of basic analog and digital electronics.
- Familiarity with SPI, I2C, CAN, or EtherCAT protocols.
Compensation and Employment
- Salary: $169,067 to $216,031 per year.
- Stock options and long-term cash awards eligible.
- 401(k) with 6% employer match (immediately vested).
- On-site role in El Segundo, CA.
Benefits
- 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents.
- Flexible PTO policy plus 12 paid holidays.
- 12 weeks of parental leave with supplemental disability leave for California mothers.
- $120 per month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness.
- Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner twice weekly.
- Complimentary EV charging.
- Relocation support for new hires, if needed.
ITAR and Work Authorization
Varda employees have access to export-controlled items and must be "U.S. persons": U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, or individuals admitted as refugees or granted asylum. Varda participates in E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.