Environmental Test Lab Manager

About VardaLow Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. Varda’s W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses.From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind. Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital. Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL. Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.About This RoleVarda is building the infrastructure for in-space manufacturing and routine return from orbit. As Environmental Test Lab Manager, you will lead the facilities responsible for proving our spacecraft can survive launch, spaceflight, and return to Earth. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on executing fast, rigorous environmental test campaigns that keep flight hardware moving and missions on track.ResponsibilitiesLead day-to-day environmental test lab operations for spacecraft and vehicle hardwarePlan and execute vibration, shock, thermal, and thermal vacuum test campaignsPartner with design, production, integration, and mission teams to define test requirements and prioritiesBuild and improve lab processes, procedures, safety practices, and test readiness standardsManage lab technicians and test engineers while driving high standards for execution and documentationOwn equipment readiness, calibration, maintenance, and lab capacity planningSupport anomaly resolution, failure investigations, and test report generationCoordinate outside test support when neededBasic QualificationsBachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field5+ years of environmental test experience on aerospace or other high-reliability hardwareExperience with vibe, shock, thermal cycling, and TVAC testingStrong leadership, organization, and cross-functional communication skillsAbility to move quickly and make sound decisions around flight hardwarePreferred QualificationsExperience testing spacecraft, reentry systems, or launch vehicle hardwareFamiliarity with qualification and acceptance testing in aerospaceBackground with additional test methods such as EMI/EMC, acoustics, leak, or pressure testingExperience scaling lab operations in a fast-paced hardware companyPay RangeSalary Range: $130,000 - $170,000/per yearThis role is on-sitein El Segundo, CALeveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performanceYou will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awardsBenefitsVarda offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial well‑being, and a high‑quality workplace experience. Below is an overview of what full‑time employees receive (at this time, interns receive a subset of 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 optionsVoluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance $120/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/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 celebrationsComplimentary EV chargingITAR RequirementsVarda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our policy is to only hire “U.S. persons” who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license.“US person” means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum).E-Verify StatementVarda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.E-Verify Notice Right To Work NoticeRead moreRead moreVarda 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, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.