Mission Operations Engineer

Varda Space Industries

$120K — $170K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline (Aerospace, Electrical, or Computer Science preferred)
  • 2+ years of experience in a real-time operations role
  • 1+ year of experience developing software tools in Python, JavaScript, and/or HTML
  • Familiarity with spacecraft avionics and design practices

Responsibilities

  • Develop, coordinate, execute, and lead on-orbit missions
  • Own the full operations development cycle for mission-unique payloads
  • Work with cross-functional teams to enhance mission operations
  • Automate operational tasks by building web tools
  • Scale operational capabilities to support an increased flight cadence

Benefits

  • Flexible PTO + 12 paid holidays
  • 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
  • Wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
  • 12 weeks of parental leave
  • 401(k) with 6% employer match
  • Fully stocked kitchen with meals provided
Full Job Description
What you will do (Job Responsibilities)

The Mission Operations team are experienced spacecraft operator. They are exceptional communicators, adept leaders, and a jack-of-all trades capable of applying cross-discipline engineering to bespoke solutions. An ideal candidate is someone passionate to work in a startup environment where you will have the opportunity to fully own on-orbit operations, and mold a unique new mission framework for operations in space.
  • Develop, coordinate, execute, and lead Varda's on-orbit missions.
  • Own the full ops development cycle for mission-unique payloads, from the creation of mission profiles through execution.
  • Work with teams across the company to continuously improve upon mission operations and ensure mission success.
  • Automate and eliminate operational burden by building webtools.
  • Scale up Varda's operational capabilities to support a growing flight cadence.


What you will bring (Basic Qualifications)
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, preferably Aerospace, Electrical, or Computer Science.
  • 2+ years of experience in a real time operations role on a complex and high consequence operation.
  • 1+ years of experience developing software tools in Python, JavaScript, and/or HTML.
  • Familiarity with Avionics, GNC, Software, and Thermal design practices for spacecraft.


What would be a plus (Preferred Qualifications)
  • 3+ 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 stations networks.


How Varda compensates
  • Salary range: $120,000 - $170,000 annually.
  • This role is on-sitein El Segundo, CA.
  • Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance.
  • Offer compensation also includes the ability to receive stock options under the Company's Equity Incentive Plan.


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Benefits

Varda offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial well-being, and a high-quality workplace experience. Below is an overview of what full-time employees receive (at this time, interns receive a subset of benefits):

Health & Wellness
  • Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays
  • 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans 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 expenses
  • 12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)
  • Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic
  • Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their 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 provided twice weekly
  • Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
  • Complimentary EV charging


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