Space Systems Engineer, Flight Safety
Join Varda as a Space Systems Engineer focusing on flight safety analysis and regulatory compliance in a pioneering space startup.
Posted by employer 2 days ago
First seen on Joblaze 1 day ago
Last verified on the company career page 1 day ago
What you'll build
- Perform flight safety analyses for each mission
- Execute the technical regulatory strategy
- Complete vehicle-level functional hazard analyses
- Act as the Flight Safety responsible engineer
- Establish technical safety limits and mission rules
Must have
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, systems engineering or related field
- Demonstrated ownership and execution of a complex engineering project
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong experience with risk management methodologies and tools
- Experience with integration of interdisciplinary systems in the aerospace industry
Nice to have
- Demonstrated experience with FAA Part 450
- Demonstrated safety critical mission operations in aviation or space applications
- Proven experience navigating the FCC Part 25 or Part 5 licensing process
- Dedicated to adopting a lean approach to quality
Requirements
- Education
- Bachelor's degree
- Visa
- No sponsorship (stated in posting)
Not disclosed in this posting: years of experience.
Benefits
Joblaze summary
In the role of Space Systems Engineer focused on flight safety, the individual will conduct flight safety analyses and develop regulatory strategies to ensure compliance with FAA licensing requirements. Key skills include expertise in risk management methodologies and experience with complex engineering projects, particularly in aerospace. This position is suited for professionals with a strong background in systems engineering and a proven track record in safety-critical mission operations. Varda's team comprises industry veterans, fostering a collaborative environment aimed at advancing commercial space infrastructure.
Joblaze insights
- Listed yesterday — first seen on Joblaze October 3, 2026. Last confirmed on Varda Space's careers page October 3, 2026.
- Salary band is below the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$126,887).
- Starts above 46% of 1297 comparable mid other roles in United States we track (median $105,000 across 180 companies).
Quick facts
- Is the Space 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 $105,000–$139,466 for this 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 mid-level candidates for this position.
- Is this full-time or contract?
- Full-time for this Space Systems Engineer, Flight Safety role at Varda Space.
From the original posting
About Varda
About this Role
Varda is seeking a Space Systems Engineer to fill a flight safety analyst and reentry compliance role. Joining our Mission Assurance team, you will produce the Flight Safety Analysis and 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
- Perform flight safety analyses for each mission, with a focus on failure mode trajectory modeling and debris field containment.
- Execute the technical regulatory strategy, Methods of Compliance, and safety cases for FAA launch and reentry authorizations.
- Complete vehicle-level functional hazard analyses (FHA) and failure mode and effect analyses (FMEA).
- Act as the Flight Safety responsible engineer during mission rehearsals and live recovery operations.
- 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.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, systems engineering or related field.
- Demonstrated ownership and execution of a complex engineering project, cradle-to-grave.
- 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 experience with FAA Part 450, expected casualty modeling, trajectory dispersion, and/or debris analysis.
- 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:
- Engineer I: $105,000 - $139,466/per year
- Engineer II: $119,543 - $152,749/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
Standard company text repeated across Varda Space's postings is omitted here.