Laboratory Operations Technician
Varda Space Industries
| Company | Varda Space Industries |
| Category | Skilled Technician |
| Location | El Segundo |
| Remote | On-site (inferred) |
| Employment | Not stated |
| Level | Not stated |
| Salary | Not stated by the employer |
| Posted | 6 May 2026 |
| Last verified | 30 Jul 2026 |
| Source | Employer career page (greenhouse) |
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. Varda’s W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses.
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 ma
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