Spacecraft Flight Software Engineer II, C++

Varda Space Industries

$144K — $184K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 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.
  • 3+ years of experience developing spacecraft or similar safety critical software.
  • Strong programming experience in C++ with deep understanding of language concepts.

Responsibilities

  • Develop reliable flight software for spacecraft, satellite buses, and reentry capsules.
  • Write structured bare metal, RTOS, or Linux-based software for embedded processors in C++.
  • Take ownership of all phases of software development: design, testing, and integration.
  • Scope projects by capturing requirements and conducting design trades.
  • Ensure software quality through rigorous test, verification, and validation (V&V).
  • Communicate and collaborate effectively within a team environment.
  • Solve complex problems related to flight software.

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.
  • $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses.
  • 12 weeks of parental leave with supplemental disability for California mothers.
  • 401(k) with 6% employer match, immediately vested.
  • Fully stocked kitchen with daily lunches and bi-weekly dinners.
Full Job Description
About This Role

The Flight Software Engineer II 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 testing and flight operational support.
Responsibilities
  • 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.
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, math, physics, engineering or equivalent technical experience in safety critical software.
  • 3+ 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.
Preferred Skills and Experience
  • 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.
Pay Range
  • Salary range: Software Engineer II: $144,020 - $184,026/ 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.


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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