Spacecraft Embedded Software Engineer

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 is headquartered in El Segundo, California, with additional offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.

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, 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.

• 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.
• Experience developing and testing real‑time embedded hardware/software systems.
• Experience with C++ development and a strong understanding of language concepts.

• 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.
• Salary range: $131,000 – $184,000 annually.
• This role is on‑site in El Segundo, CA.
• Leveling and base salary determined by job‑related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance.
• Stock options under the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan.

#LI-VSI

• Flexible PTO policy +12 paid holidays
• 100% company‑paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance 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 (plus supplemental disability leave for child‑mothers)
• Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents
• Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start‑up
• 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
• $20/period cell‑phone reimbursement
• Relocation support for new hires, if needed

• 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

Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E‑Verify program.

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.