Senior Spacecraft Mission Operations Engineer Verified today
About Varda
Varda is accelerating development of commercial space infrastructure for in-orbit pharmaceutical processing and reliable reentry capsules. Varda's W-Series vehicles are designed, built, and operated entirely in-house, including pharmaceutical processing payloads, capsules, C-PICA heat shields, and satellite buses.
About This Role
You are an experienced spacecraft operator, exceptional communicator, and adaptable engineer. You will fully own on-orbit operations for the Winnie Spaceship and build a unique 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 improve mission operations and ensure mission success
- Automate and reduce operational burden by building web tools
- Scale Varda's operational capabilities to support growing flight cadence
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, preferably Aerospace, Electrical, or Computer Science
- 5+ years of experience in a real-time operations role on a complex, 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. This is an on-site role in El Segundo, California. Leveling and base salary are determined by job-related skills, education, experience, and performance. You will be eligible for stock options and/or long-term cash awards.
Benefits
Full-time employees receive flexible PTO plus 12 paid holidays, 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with FSA and employer-matched HSA options, $120/month wellness reimbursement, 12 weeks of parental leave, 401(k) with 6% employer match (immediately vested), $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement, relocation support, complimentary EV charging, daily lunch and twice-weekly dinner, and company team events.