About This RoleThe
Senior Mission Operations Engineer is an 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 for our Winnie Spaceship and mold a unique new mission framework for operations in space.
Responsibilities- 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.
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.
Preferred Skills and Experience- 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.
Pay Range- Salary range: Senior: $140,333 - $179,314/ per year.
- 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.
- You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards.
BenefitsVarda 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
