Is the Spacecraft Firmware Engineer II role remote?

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

What's the salary range?

Varda Space lists $144,020–$184,026 for this role.

How much experience is required?

At least 3 years of relevant experience for this Spacecraft Firmware Engineer II role.

Where is the role based?

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

What's the tech stack?

Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: C++, Python, Rust.

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 Spacecraft Firmware Engineer II role at Varda Space.

Spacecraft Firmware Engineer II at Varda Space

Joblaze summary

The Spacecraft Firmware Engineer II at Varda Space focuses on developing and maintaining the firmware that governs spacecraft operations in orbit, ensuring reliability throughout the mission lifecycle. Key skills include proficiency in C++ and experience with real-time embedded systems, as well as a solid understanding of safety-critical software development. This role is suited for professionals with at least three years of relevant experience, particularly those with a background in aerospace or similar fields. Varda's team comprises industry veterans, fostering a collaborative environment aimed at advancing commercial space infrastructure.

Joblaze insights

Listed today — first seen on Joblaze September 19, 2026. Last confirmed on Varda Space's careers page September 19, 2026.
Salary band is above the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$126,887).
Starts above 89% of 306 comparable mid other roles in United States that list Python we track (median $115,000 across 54 companies). See Python salary trends
Python appears in 17.4% of 2884 comparable mid other roles in United States; Rust appears in 1.5% of 2884 comparable mid other roles in United States.

Quick facts

Is the Spacecraft Firmware Engineer II role remote?: No — this is an on-site role in El Segundo, California, United States.
What's the salary range?: Varda Space lists $144,020–$184,026 for this role.
How much experience is required?: At least 3 years of relevant experience for this Spacecraft Firmware Engineer II role.
Where is the role based?: Varda Space is hiring for this position in El Segundo, California, United States.
What's the tech stack?: Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: C++, Python, Rust.
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 Spacecraft Firmware Engineer II role at Varda Space.

From the original posting

About Varda

About This Role

The Firmware Engineer II on the Flight Software team is responsible for determining how our spacecraft behaves & operates in orbit and building reliable software to ensure it happens. They are responsible for all phases of development, starting from requirements capture through testing and flight operational support.

Responsibilities

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.

Basic Qualifications

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.

Preferred Skills and Experience

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.

Pay Range

Salary range: Software Engineer II: $144,020 - $184,026/ 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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