Senior Facilities Supervisor

Varda is a commercial space infrastructure company focused on in‑orbit pharmaceutical processing, reentry capsules, and related manufacturing systems. We develop both the products and the infrastructure needed to enable space‑based production that benefits life on Earth. About This Role The Senior Facilities Supervisor is a critical role that directly impacts our operations at Varda. The successful candidate will lead the day‑to‑day operations and maintenance of two facilities, including a production and integration campus exceeding 200,000 square feet that house our vehicles, equipment, and specialized environments. Responsibilities Lead all facilities operations across two buildings, including janitorial, landscaping, HVAC, MEP systems, fire suppression, industrial gas, and general maintenance, ensuring zero unplanned interruptions to production and engineering operations. Manage and develop a team of facilities technicians, electricians, and maintenance staff, including hiring, performance management, scheduling, and training. Serve as the primary point of escalation for all facility‑related issues across both sites; oversee on‑call and after‑hours emergency response protocols. Maintain a visible presence across both facilities; conduct regular walkthroughs to identify safety hazards, maintenance needs, and opportunities for improvement. Administer and continuously improve a preventive and predictive maintenance program for all building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, fire suppression, cryogenic fluid and industrial gas systems, electrical infrastructure, and building automation systems (BAS/BMS). Manage and optimize a work ticketing system (CMMS) to ensure correct staff assignment, response time adherence, and accurate documentation of all maintenance activities. Oversee routine inspections of interior and exterior building systems, roofing, flooring, installed fixtures, lighting, and safety equipment; ensure timely resolution and documentation. Partner with EHS to maintain compliance with all OSHA, local, state, and federal building and safety codes; lead facilities‑related safety training programs. Source, negotiate, and manage third‑party service providers for janitorial, landscaping, mechanical, electrical, security, pest control, and specialty trade services; hold vendors to contractual performance standards and SLAs. Provide direct project management oversight of subcontractors executing facility improvement projects, tenant improvements, and capital builds. Maintain competitive bidding processes to ensure cost efficiency while preserving service quality. Partner with Facilities leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders to develop, plan, and execute site improvement and capital projects aligned with Varda’s production growth roadmap. Develop and manage the annual facilities operations budget; track spend, identify savings opportunities, and provide regular reporting to leadership. Identify and propose infrastructure upgrades that support Varda’s scaling operations, including cleanroom expansion, lab buildouts, and production floor modifications. Manage space planning, office buildouts, moves, and reconfiguration projects in coordination with People and Engineering teams. Basic Qualifications 15+ years of progressive experience in commercial, industrial, or advanced manufacturing facilities management. Proven track record managing multi‑building portfolios, including at least one facility exceeding 150,000 square feet. Minimum 5 years in a supervisory or people‑management role overseeing multi‑trade facilities teams. Deep working knowledge of HVAC, MEP systems, fire suppression, industrial gas, electrical distribution, and building automation systems. Experience administering and optimizing CMMS platforms (e.g., Fiix, UpKeep, IBM Maximo, or equivalent). Demonstrated experience managing vendor contracts, third‑party service providers, and capital project subcontractors. Strong knowledge of OSHA, NEC, and local/state building codes and permitting requirements. U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by ITAR. Preferred Skills And Experience Experience in aerospace, defense, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or other precision/regulated facility environments. Familiarity with cleanroom standards, cryogenic fluid handling, or industrial gas systems in a production setting. CFM (Certified Facility Manager, IFMA), FMP, or PMP certification strongly preferred. Experience in developing and managing multi‑million‑dollar facilities, operating, and capital budgets. Strong proficiency in project management tools and Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams). Experience reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and engineering drawings. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain high‑performing, cross‑functional facilities teams in a fast‑paced startup environment. Familiarity with energy efficiency programs, sustainability initiatives, or LEED‑related building operations. Pay Range Salary range: $120,000 – $155,000 per year. This role is on‑site in El Segundo, CA. Leveling and base salary are determined by job‑related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance. Eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long‑term cash awards. Benefits Health & Wellness Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays. 100% company‑paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer‑matched HSA options. Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance. $120 per month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses. 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 Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start‑up. 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested). $20 per pay period cell phone reimbursement. Relocation support for new hires, if needed. Workplace Experience & Perks Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly. Company and team‑bonding events, happy hours, and mission‑success celebrations. Complimentary EV charging. Dog‑friendly office space. ITAR Requirements Because employees are exposed to and have access to export‑controlled items, we only hire U.S. persons who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license. U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) are eligible. E-Verify Statement Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E‑Verify program. Equal Opportunity Employer Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status. #J-18808-Ljbffr Varda Space Industries