Senior Space 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 safety-critical software experience.
  • 5+ years of experience in developing safety-critical software for spacecraft or similar systems.
  • Proficient in developing and testing real-time embedded hardware/software systems.
  • Strong development experience in C++, with a deep understanding of core language concepts.
  • Experience with safety-critical software, particularly in aerospace applications (preferred).

Responsibilities

  • Develop reliable firmware for the spacecraft, satellite bus, and reentry capsule throughout the mission.
  • Own all software development processes, including design, testing, and integration.
  • Scope projects by capturing requirements and performing initial design trades.
  • Write structured software for embedded processors in C++, either bare metal, RTOS, or Linux-based.
  • Build highly reliable and available software systems for flight operations.
  • Conduct software test, verification, and validation (V&V) to ensure system quality and performance.

Benefits

  • Flexible PTO policy plus 12 paid holidays.
  • 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, including FSA and employer-matched HSA options.
  • Supplemental parental leave benefits, including 12 weeks of leave and associated support for CA mothers.
  • $120/month wellness reimbursement for fitness expenses and sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and dependents.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match, immediately vested.
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

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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