Senior Mission Design Engineer

Responsibilities

• Perform trajectory design, optimization, and dispersion analysis for next-generation space vehicle reentry
• Design spacecraft trajectories and produce orbital analyses for commercial reentry vehicles
• Optimize trajectories based on fuel, time, and performance characteristics
• Design and implement autonomous satellite navigational solutions, collision avoidance, orbital rendezvous, and atmospheric re-entry algorithms
• Develop and maintain 6 DOF vehicle simulations and ground-based mission operations tooling
• Run Monte Carlo analysis to characterize performance of new features
• Support in-orbit operations as a trajectory specialist

Requirements

• B.S. in aerospace, mechanical, electrical engineering, physics, or a related field
• 5+ years of proven experience, or a PhD with 3+ years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated knowledge in designing, modeling, and testing orbital trajectories or GNC systems
• Proficiency in C++, Python, and Matlab for software and model development
• Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, modeling, and simulation
• Experience anchoring first principles models to test data or high-fidelity simulations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of multi-body dynamics, flexible body dynamics, gas dynamics, fluids, and thermodynamics
• Experience developing and verifying physical models for control design and system performance
• Experience supporting flight tests or flying spacecraft
• Prior experience in a technical leadership role for launch vehicles or satellite development
• Experience working in a startup or agile development environment

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $170,000 - $200,000 per year
• Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space startup
• 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance for employees and dependents
• 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
• Flexible PTO policy plus 12 paid holidays
• Daily lunch provided and twice-weekly dinners
• Comprehensive wellness and parental leave benefits

About the Company

Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind by creating the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth.