Spacecraft Flight Software Engineer II, C++ Verified today
About Varda
Varda is accelerating commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable reentry capsules. Our W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated in-house, including pharmaceutical processing payloads, capsules, C-PICA heat shields, and satellite buses. We create both the products and infrastructure to expand the economic bounds of humankind through space-based manufacturing.
About This Role
The Flight Software Engineer II determines how our spacecraft behaves and operates in orbit. You'll build reliable software across all phases of development, from requirements capture through testing and flight operational support.
Responsibilities
- Develop reliable flight software for spacecraft, satellite bus, and reentry capsule operations 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 the team to communicate and problem-solve
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, math, physics, engineering, or equivalent technical experience in safety-critical software
- 3+ years of experience developing spacecraft or similar safety-critical software
- Experience with C++ development and strong understanding of language concepts
Preferred Skills and Experience
- End-to-end experience building and launching a spacecraft
- Real-time embedded systems development and testing
- Safety-critical software experience, especially aerospace applications
- CCSDS telemetry and telecommand systems
- F' or cFS framework
- Python or Rust
- Basic analog and digital electronics knowledge
- Familiarity with SPI, I2C, CAN, or EtherCAT
Compensation and Location
- Salary range: $144,020 to $184,026 per year
- On-site in El Segundo, California
- Stock options and/or long-term cash awards
- Base salary determined by job-related skills, education, experience, and performance
Benefits
Health & Wellness
- Flexible PTO policy plus 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/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness
- 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 & Retirement
- Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up
- 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match, immediately vested
- $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
- Relocation support for new hires if needed
Workplace Experience & Perks
- Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner twice weekly
- Company and team-bonding events, happy hours, and mission-success celebrations
- Complimentary EV charging
ITAR Requirements
Varda must ensure employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work and may only hire "US persons" who can access export-controlled technology without an export license. "US person" means a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual admitted as a refugee or granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Varda participates in the E-Verify program for employment eligibility verification.