Laboratory Operations Technician

El Segundo, California, United States1-3 years

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.

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

About This Role

Varda Space Industries is seeking a motivated Lab Operations Technician to support day-to-day laboratory operations. This role is critical to maintaining a clean, organized, and well-stocked lab environment, enabling scientists to work efficiently. The Lab Technician will report to the Lab Operations Manager. This is a 6 month temp position.

Key Responsibilities

Lab Maintenance and Support

Perform glassware cleaning, drying, and autoclaving according to established protocols
Perform routine decontamination of workspaces used for high-potency compound handling, including:
- Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs)
- Ventilated Balance Enclosures (VBEs)
- Fume Hoods
Dispose of hazardous and contaminated waste in accordance with safety guidelines
Maintain general lab cleanliness, including benches, shared equipment, and common areas

Inventory and Replenishment

Monitor inventory levels and proactively replenish lab supplies across lab areas
Place routine orders for lab supplies and consumables, or coordinate lab operations as needed
Receive, unpack, and properly store incoming materials and chemicals

Equipment and Routine Tasks

Perform basic troubleshooting of lab equipment and infrastructure and escalate issues when appropriate
Perform routine upkeep tasks such as freezer defrosting and gas handling
Assist with simple setup tasks for experiments as needed
Prepare buffers, media, and common reagents according to established protocols

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field
1-3 years of experience in pharmaceutical or academic research laboratory settings
Experienced with troubleshooting and maintenance of complex analytical instruments
Familiarity with basic lab techniques and safety practices, including handling and disposal of chemical waste
Ability to follow SOPs and maintain accurate records
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Comfortable performing repetitive tasks with consistency and care
Ability to lift/move boxes (up to 50 pounds)

Preferred Skills and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field
3-5 years of experience in a pharmaceutical research laboratory settings
Hands-on experience troubleshooting and maintaining analytical instrumentation, including chromatography and mass spec, spectroscopy, thermal analysis, automation, microscopy, and crystallization (U/HPLC, CE, DLS, DSF, CD, FTIR, ELISA, MS, DSC, TGA, XRPD, Laser Diffraction)
Previous experience working in GLP-compliant environments

Pay Range

Pay Range: $28.00 - $40.00/per hour
This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA
Leveling and base pay is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance

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.

Benefits

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

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 celebrations
Complimentary EV charging
Dog-friendly office space 🐕

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.

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

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