Spacecraft Mission Operations Engineer

Varda Space Industries

$120K — $170K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace, electrical, or computer science engineering.
  • 2+ years in real-time operations for complex, high-stakes environments.
  • 1+ year in developing software tools using Python, JavaScript, or HTML.
  • Knowledge of spacecraft avionics, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) practices.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and lead Varda's on-orbit missions.
  • Own complete ops development cycle for mission-specific payloads.
  • Collaborate across teams to enhance mission operations and guarantee success.
  • Automate operations by creating web tools to reduce manual processes.
  • Expand operational capabilities to match increasing flight schedules.

Benefits

  • Flexible PTO and 12 paid holidays.
  • Comprehensive health insurance covering employees and dependents.
  • Wellness reimbursement for fitness expenses and support for family planning.
  • Substantial equity incentives in a fully funded startup.
  • 401(k) with a 6% employer match, immediately vested.
  • Daily catered lunches and team bonding events.
Full Job Description
What you will do (Job Responsibilities)

The Mission Operations team are 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, and mold a unique new mission framework for operations in space.
  • 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.


What you will bring (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.


What would be a plus (Preferred Qualifications)
  • 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.


How Varda compensates
  • Salary range: $120,000 - $170,000 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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