Environmental Test Lab Manager

Varda is building the infrastructure for in‑space manufacturing and routine return from orbit. As Environmental Test Lab Manager, you will lead the team and 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.

• Lead day‑to‑day environmental test lab operations for spacecraft and vehicle hardware
• Plan and execute vibration, shock, thermal, and thermal vacuum test campaigns
• Partner with design, production, integration, and mission teams to define test requirements and priorities
• Build and improve lab processes, procedures, safety practices, and test readiness standards
• Manage lab technicians and test engineers while driving high standards for execution and documentation
• Own equipment readiness, calibration, maintenance, and lab capacity planning
• Support anomaly resolution, failure investigations, and test report generation
• Coordinate outside test support when needed

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field
• 5+ years of environmental test experience on aerospace or other high‑reliability hardware
• Experience with vibration, shock, thermal cycling, and TVAC testing
• Strong leadership, organization, and cross‑functional communication skills
• Ability to move quickly and make sound decisions around flight hardware

• Experience testing spacecraft, reentry systems, or launch vehicle hardware
• Familiarity with qualification and acceptance testing in aerospace
• Background with additional test methods such as EMI/EMC, acoustics, leak, or pressure testing
• Experience scaling lab operations in a fast‑paced hardware company

• Salary Range: $154,650 – $197,050 per year
• Location:
  
  On‑site in El Segundo, CA
• Leveling and base salary 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

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.

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.