Senior Space Mission Operations Engineer Verified today
About Varda
Varda accelerates commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. Varda's W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated in-house, including pharmaceutical processing payloads, capsules, C-PICA heat shields, and satellite buses.
About This Role
The Senior Mission Operations Engineer is an experienced spacecraft operator and exceptional communicator. You will fully own on-orbit operations for our Winnie Spaceship and mold a unique new mission framework for operations in space.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, coordinate, execute, and lead Varda's on-orbit missions
- Own the full ops development cycle for mission-unique payloads, from mission profile creation through execution
- Work cross-company to continuously improve mission operations and ensure mission success
- Automate and eliminate operational burden by building web tools
- Scale up Varda's operational capabilities to support growing flight cadence
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in engineering (Aerospace, Electrical, or Computer Science preferred)
- 5+ years of experience in a real-time operations role on a complex and high-consequence operation
- 3+ years of experience developing software tools in Python, JavaScript, and/or HTML
- Familiarity with Avionics, GNC, Software, and Thermal design practices for spacecraft
Preferred Skills and Experience
- 5+ years of experience with spacecraft systems
- Previous operator experience in a leadership role
- Previous in-orbit spacecraft operations experience
- Previous experience with Git and Atlassian products
- Familiarity with ground station networks
Compensation and Location
Salary range: $140,333 to $179,314 per year. On-site role in El Segundo, California. Leveling and base salary determined by job-related skills, education, experience, and performance. Eligible for stock options and long-term cash awards.
Benefits
Health and Wellness
- Flexible PTO policy and 12 paid holidays
- 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options
- Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance
- $120 per month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
- 12 weeks of parental leave with supplemental disability leave for California mothers
- Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic
- Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and dependents
Financial and Retirement
- Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space startup
- 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match, immediately vested
- $20 per pay period cell phone reimbursement
- Relocation support for new hires if needed
Workplace Experience and Perks
- Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
- Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
- Complimentary EV charging