Is the Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer, Flight Safety role remote?

No — this is an on-site role in El Segundo, California, United States.

What's the salary range?

Varda Space lists $140,333–$179,314 for this role.

How much experience is required?

At least 5 years of relevant experience for this Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer, Flight Safety role.

Where is the role based?

Varda Space is hiring for this position in El Segundo, California, United States.

What seniority level is this role?

Varda Space targets senior candidates for this position.

Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer, Flight Safety at Varda Space

Joblaze summary

In the role of Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer for Flight Safety at Varda Space, the individual will focus on ensuring mission safety and compliance with regulatory standards for launch and reentry. Key skills include expertise in FAA regulations, risk management methodologies, and experience with functional hazard analyses. This position is ideal for someone with significant aerospace engineering experience, particularly in mission assurance or flight safety, who can effectively collaborate across teams. Varda's team comprises industry veterans, fostering a strong foundation for innovative space infrastructure development.

Joblaze insights

Listed 4 days ago — first seen on Joblaze September 23, 2026. Last confirmed on Varda Space's careers page September 27, 2026.
Salary band is above the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$126,887).
Starts above 47% of 1206 comparable senior other roles in United States we track (median $143,000 across 185 companies).

Quick facts

Is the Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer, Flight Safety role remote?: No — this is an on-site role in El Segundo, California, United States.
What's the salary range?: Varda Space lists $140,333–$179,314 for this role.
How much experience is required?: At least 5 years of relevant experience for this Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer, Flight Safety role.
Where is the role based?: Varda Space is hiring for this position in El Segundo, California, United States.
What seniority level is this role?: Varda Space targets senior candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?: Full-time for this Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer, Flight Safety role at Varda Space.

From the original posting

About Varda

About This Role

Varda is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to serve as the primary architect for mission safety and reentry compliance. Joining our Mission Assurance team, you will lead the development of the Flight Safety Analysis and the regulatory strategy required for FAA Part 450 and Range Safety licensing. This is a highly cross-functional role that bridges the gap between complex engineering trades and regulatory approval. From defining safety-critical verification artifacts during design to supporting live on-console operations, you will ensure our flight hardware is verified and our reentry methodologies are mathematically sound.

Responsibilities

Own the technical regulatory strategy, Means of Compliance, and safety cases for FAA launch and reentry authorizations.
Own vehicle-level functional hazard analyses (FHA) and failure mode and effect analyses (FMEA).
Maintain Expected Casualty and debris risk models to ensure all mission phases meet regulatory safety thresholds.
Establish technical safety limits and mission rules for real-time on-console operations.
Responsible for vehicle-level deliverables to regulatory organizations, in the service of mission reentry licenses and authorizations.
Act as the Flight Safety responsible engineer during mission rehearsals and live recovery operations.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, systems engineering or related field.
Minimum 5 years of relevant aerospace engineering experience, with a previous role involving mission assurance, fight safety, or a senior systems engineering role.
Demonstrated experience with FAA Part 450, expected casualty modeling, trajectory dispersion, and/or debris analysis.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and present to executives/customers/regulators.
Strong experience with risk management methodologies and tools (FMEA, FHA, Fault Tree Analysis).
Experience with integration of interdisciplinary systems in the aerospace industry.

Preferred Skills and Experience

Demonstrated safety critical mission operations in aviation or space applications.
Proven experience navigating the FCC Part 25 (Commercial) or Part 5 (Experimental) licensing process, for satellite and reentry communications.
Dedicated to adopting a lean approach to quality without compromising safety or reliability.

Pay Range

Salary range: Senior: $140,333 - $179,314/per year
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
You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards

Benefits

Regular Full-Time Positions:

Health & Wellness 

Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays

Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance

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 

$20/pay period cell phone reimbursement

Relocation support for new hires, if needed

Workplace Experience & Perks 

Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations

Complimentary EV charging

Benefits for Internship Positions:

Health & Wellness  

Paid observed holidays.

Financial  

$20/pay period cell phone reimbursement.

Workplace Experience & Perks 

Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations

Complimentary EV charging

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