Mission Operations Engineer, Python

About the role

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 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 creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth.

Our team is 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 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, with additional offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Qualifications (Preferred)

• 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 station networks.

Pay

Salary range: $120,000 - $170,000 annually. 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

• 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
• 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
• 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

Schedule

This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA.

Varda is only able to hire U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) due to ITAR requirements.