Embedded Software Engineer, C++

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 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 was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant 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, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. 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. 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 in the development of spacecraft or similar safety critical software. - Experience developing and testing real-time embedded hardware / software systems. - Experience with development in C++, along with 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. This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA. - 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. Varda offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial well‑being, and a high‑quality workplace experience. Below is an overview of what full‑time employees receive (at this time, interns receive a subset of 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 - 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 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 Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly - Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our policy is to only hire “U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum). Citizenship and Immigration Services. 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, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.5c143e31-5e48-4549-b638-05792d185386