Space Embedded Software Engineer

Vardaspace; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 131,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible PTO policy

100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan with employer match

Complimentary meals and snacks

Dog-friendly office

Job summary

Vardaspace is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer for the Flight Software team in El Segundo, CA. The engineer will develop reliable software for spacecraft operations and control during missions.

Responsibilities include firmware development, software integration, and ensuring system quality through testing. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and relevant experience in safety-critical software development.

Join us to contribute to cutting-edge aerospace technology! Full benefits and stock options offered.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in spacecraft software development or similar.
• Experience with real-time embedded hardware / software systems.
• Strong understanding of programming concepts and languages.

Responsibilities

• Develop firmware for spacecraft control.
• Own software development including design and integration.
• Ensure quality through verification and validation techniques.

Skills

C++

Real-time embedded systems

Safety critical software

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science, math, physics, engineering

Tools

RTOS

Linux

Job description

What you will do (Job Responsibilities)

The Embedded Software Engineer on 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 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.

What you will bring (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 developing and testing real-time embedded hardware / software systems.
• Experience with development in C++, along with a strong understanding of language concepts.

What would be a plus (Preferred Qualifications)

• 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.

How Varda compensates

• Salary range: $131,000 - $184,000 annually.
• 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.
• Offer compensation also includes the ability to receive stock options under the Company's Equity Incentive Plan.

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
• Dog‑friendly office space

ITAR Requirements

Varda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export‑controlled items. Because our employees are provided access to export‑controlled items, our policy is to only hire “U.S. persons” who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license.
“US person” means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum).

E-Verify Statement

Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E‑Verify program. The E‑Verify program is an Internet‑based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.

E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice

Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.