Varda Space Industries
Mission Operations Engineer, Python
About this role
Varda seeks a Mission Operations Engineer to develop, coordinate, and execute on-orbit spacecraft missions in a startup environment. You'll own the complete operational lifecycle for mission-unique payloads, build automation tools in Python, and scale operations as flight cadence increases.
What you'll do
- Develop, coordinate, execute, and lead on-orbit missions from conception through completion
- Own full operational development cycle for mission-unique payloads, including mission profiles
- Build web-based automation tools to reduce operational burden and improve efficiency
- Collaborate across teams to enhance mission operations and ensure success
- Scale operational capabilities to support growing flight cadence
- Apply cross-discipline engineering to solve mission-critical problems
What they're looking for
- Python software development
- Real-time operations and mission control
- Spacecraft systems and avionics knowledge
- JavaScript and HTML
- GNC, thermal, and software design practices
- Git and Atlassian tools
- Leadership and cross-functional communication
- Ground station networks (preferred)
Benefits
- Flexible PTO policy plus 12 paid holidays
- Stock options under Company Equity Incentive Plan
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
- On-site work in El Segundo, California with modern facilities
- Opportunity to shape new mission operations framework
- Team of experienced space industry veterans
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Varda Space Industries
Varda Space Industries builds commercial spacecraft and orbital manufacturing systems for missions in low Earth orbit, including reentry capsules and satellite buses. The company is hiring mission operations engineers, software engineers (ground segment, flight, and embedded), and manufacturing engineers to develop mission-critical systems, operational infrastructure, and scalable production capabilities.
- Website
- varda.com
Likely interview questions
- Describe a complex, high-consequence operation you've supported—what was your role and how did you contribute to mission success?
- Walk us through your experience developing software tools in Python; what were the key challenges and outcomes?