Space Mission Operations Engineer Verified today
About Varda
Varda is building commercial space infrastructure for in-orbit pharmaceutical processing and reliable reentry. We design, build, and operate our W-Series vehicles in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, capsules, C-PICA heat shields, and satellite buses.
What you will do
- Develop, coordinate, execute, and lead Varda's on-orbit missions
- Own the full ops development cycle for mission-unique payloads, from mission profiles through execution
- Work with cross-company teams to improve mission operations and ensure mission success
- Automate and eliminate operational burden by building webtools
- Scale up Varda's operational capabilities to support growing flight cadence
What you will bring
- Bachelor's degree in engineering (preferably Aerospace, Electrical, or Computer Science)
- 2+ years of experience in a real-time operations role on a complex, 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
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
Compensation and location
- Salary: $120,000 to $170,000 annually
- On-site in El Segundo, California
- Stock options under the Company's Equity Incentive Plan
- Base salary determined by job-related skills, education, experience, and job performance
Benefits
Full-time employees receive comprehensive benefits including flexible PTO plus 12 paid holidays, 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with 6% employer match (immediately vested), 12 weeks parental leave, daily lunch and twice-weekly dinner, EV charging, and relocation support.
ITAR requirement
This role requires access to export-controlled items. Varda hires only U.S. persons: U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, or individuals admitted as refugees or granted asylum.