Embedded Software Engineer

About this role

Varda seeks an Embedded Software Engineer to develop mission-critical firmware for spacecraft, satellite buses, and reentry capsules operating in low Earth orbit. You'll own the full software lifecycle—from requirements and design through testing and flight operations—building highly reliable systems that control orbital pharmaceutical processing and vehicle reentry.

What you'll do

• Develop and maintain firmware for spacecraft control systems using C++ on bare metal, RTOS, or Linux platforms
• Own complete software development cycle including design, integration, testing, and verification/validation
• Scope projects by capturing requirements and performing design trades for open-ended problems
• Build real-time embedded systems with high reliability and availability standards
• Perform software testing and validation to ensure system quality and performance
• Provide flight operational support and troubleshooting for deployed spacecraft

What they're looking for

• C++ programming with strong language concepts
• Real-time embedded systems development and testing
• Safety-critical software design and practices
• Spacecraft or aerospace software development
• Computer architecture and operating systems
• Data structures and computer networking
• Python or Rust (preferred)
• Software verification and validation techniques

Benefits

• Salary range: $131,000 - $184,000 annually
• On-site position in El Segundo, CA with production facility access
• Work on cutting-edge space infrastructure and orbital economy innovation
• Team of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, and major tech companies
• Backing from world-class investors including Khosla Ventures and Lux Capital

Likely interview questions

• Describe your experience developing safety-critical software—what standards or certifications have you worked with?
• Tell us about a real-time embedded system you built; how did you ensure reliability and handle edge cases?