EHS Specialist

Varda Space•El Segundo, CA 90245, US• Contract

Posted 2 hours ago• Business & Finance• Operations

Job 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.

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’s Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) team plays a crucial role in ensuring the seamless operation of sophisticated spacecraft engineering and production facilities along with world-class pharmaceutical labs. As an EHS Specialist, you will hold significant responsibility for the day-to-day systems, processes and resources that safeguard our engineers, scientists and many other team members working to revolutionize the commercial space economy.

This role offers the unique opportunity to work with a variety of complex chemical and physical systems, ranging from chemical propulsion to pharmaceuticals to spacecraft development, at an exciting and fast-paced startup.

This is a full-time, exempt position located at our El Segundo headquarters.

Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulatory standards (e.g., Cal/OSHA, Cal/EPA, SCAQMD, DOT, CA Fire Code), including recordkeeping and reporting requirements
Ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g., NIOSH, ANSI, NFPA), where applicable
Conduct root cause corrective action (RCCA) investigations as needed, working closely with leadership to implement any corrective actions to mitigate EHS risks
Oversee accumulation and disposal of hazardous waste, including routine inspections
Ensure safe handling and processing of pharmaceuticals through laboratory and equipment design, and development and implementation of safety procedures/systems
Ensure safe handling of chemicals and hazardous materials through Hazard Communication (HazCom) program elements (e.g., SDS management, container labeling) and control measures (e.g., PPE)
Develop, administer, and manage EHS training materials and requirements/assignments
Coordinate emergency response procedures, develop/maintain site emergency action plan, and organize emergency drills and related training (e.g., first aid/CPR/AED)
Support regular maintenance and inspection of safety systems and equipment (e.g., emergency eyewashes/showers, fire extinguishers, fire alarm and suppression systems)
Develop and implement a periodic workplace inspection program to proactively identify EHS risks
Support contractor safety program to ensure planned work procedures include adequate safety controls
Develop, improve and maintain EHS software & management system

Basic Qualifications

2+ years of relevant EHS experience in an aerospace, chemical engineering, pharmaceutical, or manufacturing environment
Bachelor's degree in occupational safety & health, environmental engineering/safety, physical sciences, or related field
Knowledge of California environmental (e.g., Cal/EPA, DTSC, SCAQMD) and health/safety (e.g., Cal/OSHA) standards
Ability to make decisions and recommendations about complex EHS situations and topics when the solution is not clear
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Atlassian suites

Preferred Qualifications

Associate Safety Professional (ASP) and/or equivalent professional certification
Master’s degree in occupational safety & health, environmental engineering/safety, physical sciences, or related field
Experience with managing hazardous chemicals, HazCom requirements, and hazardous waste accumulation and disposal
Experience with creating and administering EHS training, and managing recordkeeping
Ability to manage priorities and multiple projects simultaneously
Ability to work independently with minimal direction

Additional Requirements

Ability to work all shifts and available for overtime and weekends, as needed
Ability to lift up to 45 lbs. and push/pull up to 50 lbs. unassisted
Ability to stand for long periods of time; climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position
Fully onsite in El Segundo

Compensation

Salary range: $110,000 to $130,000
Leveling and 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 receive stock options under the Company's Equity Incentive 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 working by your side
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