Manager, Lab Operations at Varda Space Industries

El Segundo, California, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

22 Jan, 26

Salary

180000.0

Posted On

24 Oct, 25

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Laboratory Operations, Inventory Management, Instrument Maintenance, Hazardous Materials Handling, Chemical Waste Disposal, Communication Skills, Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Project Management Software, Troubleshooting, Microgravity Research, Operational Challenges, Vendor Management, Compliance, Team Leadership, Process Improvement

Industry

Defense and Space Manufacturing

Description

About Varda Low 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. 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 (coming soon). Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem. About This Role Our pharmaceutical team is looking for a highly motivated and creative Lab Operations Manager who will lead efforts in improving therapeutics with microgravity. This is an opportunity in an exciting area of growth for Varda, the role will shape Varda’s operational culture and will play a significant role in establishing lab operations at Varda. Responsibilities Developing and streamlining laboratory operations to improve output and productivity metrics. Be an effective liaison between lab personnel and facilities, environmental health and safety to ensure labs to ensure maximum uptime and performance of labs. Develop, implement, and maintain inventory, instrument, and reservation systems. Ensure lab is compliant with all hygiene, including dish washing and sanitizing, hazardous materials handling and chemical waste disposal policies. Schedule and meet with vendors to ensure instruments are being installed, repaired, and maintained according to intended schedule. Able to work independently and autonomously to identify operational challenges before they hinder workflows. Basic Qualifications B.A. or M.S. degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or related fields. Relevant industry and/or operational experience in a laboratory setting. Preferred Skills And Experience M.S. degree in Analytical Chemistry or Organic Chemistry with 3+ years of relevant industry experience. Experience in developing and working with organizational control systems and various LIMS or project management software. Experience in troubleshooting Laser Diffraction, XRPD, DSC, TGA, DLS, Liquid Handlers, U/HPLC, CE, UV/Vis, MS, and/or other core characterization lab instruments. Ability to communicate at various levels of expertise and operational knowledge to communicate relevant information to the stakeholders when needed. Pay Range Salary Range: $140,000.00 - $180,000.00/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 long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards ITAR Requirements Varda, 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. At present, some of our technology to which employees have access requires a license to be exported to individuals other than “U.S. Persons” as defined in U.S. export regulations. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our current 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 in the U.S.) Learn more about the ITAR here. Benefits Exciting team of professionals at the top of their field working by your side Equity in a fully funded space startup with potential for significant growth (interns excluded) 401(k) matching (interns excluded) Unlimited PTO (interns excluded) Health insurance, including Vision and Dental Lunch and snacks provided on site every day. Dinners provided twice a week. Maternity / Paternity leave (interns excluded) 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, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status. E-Verify Statement Varda 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 Notice Read more Read more

Responsibilities

Develop and streamline laboratory operations to improve output and productivity metrics. Ensure compliance with hygiene and safety policies while maintaining effective communication between lab personnel and other departments.