Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Varda Space Industries

$169K — $216K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, math, physics, engineering, or equivalent technical experience in safety critical software.
  • 5+ years of experience developing spacecraft or similar safety critical software.
  • Experience in developing and testing real-time embedded hardware/software systems.
  • Proficiency in C++ and a strong understanding of language concepts.

Responsibilities

  • Develop reliable firmware for spacecraft and satellite mission operations.
  • Own all software development phases, from design to testing and integration.
  • Scope projects by capturing requirements and conducting initial design trades on open-ended problems.
  • Write high-quality, structured software for embedded processors in C++, RTOS, or Linux.
  • Build highly reliable and available software systems for missions.
  • Ensure system quality through software test, verification, and validation techniques.

Benefits

  • 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 options.
  • Monthly wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses.
  • 12 weeks of paid parental leave with supplemental disability for CA mothers.
  • Family building, pregnancy, parenting, and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic.
  • Fully stocked kitchen with daily lunch and bi-weekly dinners.
Full Job Description
About This Role

The Senior Embedded Software Engineer on the Flight Software team is responsible for determining how our spacecraft behaves & operates in orbit and building reliable software to ensure it happens. They are responsible for all phases of development, starting from requirements capture through testing and flight operational support.
Responsibilities
  • Develop reliable firmware to control how the spacecraft, satellite bus, and reentry capsule operate through the entire mission.
  • Own all aspects of software development, from design, testing, and integration.
  • Scope projects including requirements capture and initial design trades given open-ended problems.
  • Write quality structured bare metal, RTOS, or Linux based software for embedded processors in C++.
  • Build highly reliable and available software systems.
  • Ensure system quality and performance through software test, verification, and validation (V&V) techniques.
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.
  • Experience developing and testing real-time embedded hardware / software systems.
  • Experience with development in C++, along with a strong understanding of language concepts.
Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Experience with safety-critical software, especially for aerospace applications.
  • Experience with additional programming languages such as Python or Rust.
  • Strong understanding of computer architecture, operating systems, data structures, and computer networking.
Pay Range
  • Salary range: Senior Software Engineer: $169,067 - $216,031/ per year.
  • This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA.
  • Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance.
  • You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards.


Benefits

Consider your benefits covered for launch. At Varda, we invest in benefits and perks that support your health, financial well-being, and life beyond work. Benefits vary by position, with packages designed specifically for our regular full-time employees and interns.

Regular Full-Time Positions:

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


Benefits for Internship Positions:

Health & Wellness
  • Paid observed holidays.
  • 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options.
  • $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses.
  • Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents.


Financial
  • $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement.
  • Up to $4,000 gross up in relocation support, if eligible
  • Up to $850 commute credit through Lyft or car rental reimbursement, if eligible.


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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