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 an office in Washington, D.C.

Join Varda, and work to finally create a bustling in-space ecosystem.

About This Role

Varda Space Industries is looking for an Environmental Health and Safety Specialist to support our facilities and labs on Earth and in space. Varda is a fast paced and challenging environment. The environmental health and safety team should be comfortable working on complex chemical and physical systems ranging from chemical propulsion, to pharmaceuticals, to spacecraft development.

This position requires strong overall technical skills, excellent customer service, and great organizational management. The candidate should be a self-starter, self-motivator, and possess ingenuity to work in this novel environment.

Candidates should have experience with regulatory and environmental policies at the local, state and federal level and experience in building safety and environment policies in in a startup environment. The person in this position should have strong overall technical skills, excellent customer service skills, and superior organizational and prioritization management skills. The candidate should be a self-starter, self-motivator and possess ingenuity to excel at this position.

Candidates should have experience in building high-quality systems in support of business operations, development of the spacecraft, and administering complex environments.

Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulatory standards including Cal/OSHA, OSHA SBAQMD, Cal/EPA, EPA, etc. (including maintaining records as needed)
Conduct internal due diligence audits when needed and work closely with leadership to implement any corrective actions to implement health and safety procedures
Review material safety data and provide technical expertise, while ensuring sheets are maintained and readily accessible
Help develop testing systems for spacecraft components including chemicals thrusters, valves, and low voltage electrical systems
Keep up to date with new regulations and policies, and updating internal processes and procedures for compliance
Develop safety hardware and procedures for pharmaceutical handling and processing
Evaluate, assess, and develop health and safety procedures and training for all areas of the company
Lead EH&S issue resolution & assist with non-routine troubleshooting of processes and equipment
Oversee hazardous waste storage and disposal
Contribute to ongoing maintenance and inspection of safety systems (eyewashes, chemical showers, fire suppressions systems)
Develops and implements inspection policies and procedures, and a schedule of routine inspections to identify safety, health, and environmental risks across facility
Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced work environment
Responsible for hazardous and non-hazardous waste management including DOT and RCRA regulations

Basic Qualifications

Expertise in understanding chemical hazards
Extensive knowledge of environmental regulations and policies (Knowledge of OSHA and EPA standards)
Ability to make decisions and recommendations about complex EH&S situations and topics when the solution is not clear
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office and Atlassian suites
Proficient in technology and equipment used in environmental inspections.
Physically able to conduct inspections and carry equipment used for inspections.
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at a time.
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physical Sciences, Environmental Safety, Occupational Safety and Health, or related field required

Preferred Skills And Experience

Knowledge of basic laboratory and pharmaceutical operations and equipment
Bachelor's degree in engineering with an emphasis in occupational heath and safety and/or environmental engineering
Experience in developing EH&S systems and policies from the ground up in a startup environment
Experience in federal, state, and local safety and environmental regulations

Additional Requirements

Must be physically able to regularly lift 25 lbs. for duties such as delivering computers, unpacking and rack-mounting equipment, etc.

Pay Range

Salary range: $90,000 - $110,000
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
Offer compensation also includes the ability to purchase company stock through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan

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 to working by your side
Working in El Segundo, CA - an awesome Southern California beach city with quick access to entertainment and outdoor activities
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