V
Vardaspace~1mo ago
$154,650 – $197,050/yr

Environmental Test Lab Manager

United StatesUnited States·El Segundomid
OtherLab Manager
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Quick Summary

Overview

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.

Key Responsibilities

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 Summary

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…

Technical Tools
OtherLab Manager

About the Role

~1 min read

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.

Responsibilities

~1 min read
  • 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

Requirements

~2 min read
  • 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 vibe, 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

    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.  

     

  • Salary Range: $130,000 - $160,050/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 incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards

 

 

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.

 

What We Offer

~1 min read

Varda 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 options
Voluntary 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
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
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 🐕

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

 

Location & Eligibility

Where is the job
El Segundo, United States
On-site at the office
Who can apply
US
Listed under
United States

Listing Details

First seen
April 21, 2026
Last seen
June 14, 2026

Posting Health

Days active
53
Repost count
0
Trust Level
34%
Scored at
June 14, 2026

Signal breakdown

freshnesssource trustcontent trustemployer trust
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V
Environmental Test Lab Manager$155k–$197k