Space Embedded Software Engineer

About Varda: Low Earth orbit is open for business. Varda accelerates development of commercial space infrastructure, from in‑orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable reentry capsules. Varda’s W‑Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated in‑house, including pharmaceutical processing payloads, capsules, C‑PICA heat shields, and satellite buses. From life‑saving pharmaceuticals to powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products that can only be manufactured in space. Varda’s mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind. Founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov, Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, with additional offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL. What You Will Do (Job Responsibilities) Develop reliable firmware to control the spacecraft, satellite bus, and reentry capsule throughout the mission. Own all aspects of software development, from design through testing and integration. Scope projects, including requirements capture and initial design trades for 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 developing spacecraft or similar safety‑critical software. Experience developing and testing real‑time embedded hardware/software systems. Experience with C++ and a strong understanding of language concepts. What Would Be a Plus (Preferred Qualifications) Experience with safety‑critical software 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. Compensation Salary range: $131,000 – $184,000 annually. Role is on‑site in El Segundo, CA. Base salary determined by skills, education, experience, and performance. Includes stock options under the company’s equity incentive plan. Benefits Health & Wellness Flexible PTO + 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 (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers). Family‑building, pregnancy, parenting, and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic. Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and 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 hires only U.S. persons who are permitted to have access to export‑controlled items without an export license. “U.S. person” means a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). E-Verify Notice Varda Space Industries participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E‑Verify program. Learn more about the program. Equal Opportunity Employer Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates and employees are evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance and are never discriminated 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Varda Space Industries