Spacecraft Mission Operations Engineer Verified today
About the role
The Mission Operations team executes and leads Varda's on-orbit missions for the W-Series vehicles and their pharmaceutical processing payloads. You will own the full operations development cycle for mission-unique payloads, from mission profile creation through execution. You will work across the company to continuously improve mission operations, automate operational burden through webtools, and scale Varda's operational capabilities to support growing flight cadence.
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 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
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
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 range: $120,000 to $170,000 annually
- On-site in El Segundo, California
- Stock options under the Company's Equity Incentive Plan
- Leveling and base salary determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
Benefits
- Flexible PTO policy and 12 paid holidays
- 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options
- 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match, immediately vested
- 12 weeks of parental leave with supplemental disability leave for California mothers
- $120 monthly wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness
- Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner twice weekly
- Complimentary EV charging
- Relocation support for new hires, if needed
ITAR requirements
This position requires access to export-controlled items. Varda hires only US persons: U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, or individuals admitted as refugees or granted asylum. Varda participates in the E-Verify program.