Senior Space Flight Software Engineer, C++

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 experience in safety-critical software.
  • 5+ years of experience in developing safety-critical software for spacecraft or similar systems.
  • Proficient in C++ with a strong grasp of language concepts.

Responsibilities

  • Develop reliable flight software to control spacecraft operations throughout missions.
  • Write structured software for embedded processors in bare metal, RTOS, or Linux using C++.
  • Own the full software development lifecycle, including design, testing, and integration.
  • Scope projects by capturing requirements and conducting design trade-offs for open-ended challenges.
  • Ensure software quality and system performance through rigorous verification and validation techniques.
  • Collaborate effectively with team members to solve problems and communicate progress.

Benefits

  • Flexible PTO policy plus 12 paid holidays.
  • 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance with FSA and employer-matched HSA options.
  • Voluntary accident and illness insurance, along with pet insurance.
  • $120/month wellness reimbursement for fitness costs.
  • 12 weeks parental leave with additional benefits for CA mothers.
  • Family support benefits via Maven Clinic for parenting needs.
  • Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up.
  • 401(k) plan with a generous 6% employer match.
  • Daily catered lunch and bi-weekly dinner, along with team bonding events.
Full Job Description
What you will do (Job Responsibilities)

The Flight Software team is responsible for determining how our spacecraft behaves and operates in orbit and building reliable software to ensure it happens. The team is responsible for all phases of development, starting from requirements capture through test, and flight operational support.
  • Develop reliable flight software that determine how the spacecraft, satellite bus, and reentry capsule operate 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) technique.
  • Teamwork, communicate and problem solve in a collaborative environment.
What you will bring (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 with development in C++, along with a strong understanding of the language concepts.
What would be a plus (Preferred Qualifications)
  • End-to-end experience building and launching a spacecraft.
  • Experience developing and testing real-time embedded systems.
  • Experience with safety-critical software, especially for aerospace applications.
  • Experience with CCSDS telemetry and telecommand system.
  • Experience with F' or cFS framework.
  • Experience with Python, or Rust.
  • Knowledge of basic analog and digital electronics.
  • Familiarity with SPI, I2C, CAN, EtherCAT.
How Varda compensates
  • Salary range: $169,000 - $216,000 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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