Space Embedded Software Engineer, High Reliability Systems

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

Benefits offered by this job

Equity incentives

Relocation assistance

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

On-site meals

Job summary

Varda in El Segundo, CA is hiring a firmware/software engineer to develop reliable software for spacecraft, satellite buses, and reentry capsules. You will own all aspects of software development from design to test, write bare metal, RTOS, or Linux-based code in C++, and ensure high reliability and performance.

The role requires 3+ years in safety-critical aerospace software, a technical degree, and willingness to work on-site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a technical field.
• 3+ years in development of spacecraft or safety-critical software.
• Experience with real-time embedded software/hardware.
• Proficiency in C++ and software design concepts.

Responsibilities

• Develop reliable firmware to control spacecraft, satellite bus, and reentry capsule operations across missions.
• Own all aspects of software development, from design, testing, and integration.
• Scope projects via requirements capture and early design trades for open-ended problems.
• Write quality bare metal, RTOS, or Linux-based software for embedded processors in C++.
• Build highly reliable software systems with robust V&V processes.
• Ensure system quality and performance through software testing and verification.

Skills

C++

Embedded systems

RTOS

Linux

Safety-critical software

Software development

Design trades

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Math or equivalent

Tools

Python

Rust

Job description

About Varda

Low Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. Varda's W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses.

From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind.

Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.

Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.

Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.

What you will do (Job Responsibilities)

• 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

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