Sr. Program Manager

Varda Space•El Segundo, CA 90245, US• Full Time

Posted 5 hours ago• Software• Quality

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

As the Senior Program Manager – IT Programs, you will own the planning and execution of mission‑critical technology programs supporting Varda’s infrastructure, security posture, and operational growth. These programs span enterprise infrastructure, networking architecture, cybersecurity compliance, and facility technology environments.

You will operate across engineering, security, operations, and facilities teams to deliver reliable, secure, and scalable systems across the organization. This role requires strong cross‑functional leadership, technical fluency, and the ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives in a fast‑moving startup environment.

Responsibilities

Own planning and execution of critical IT programs spanning infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity compliance, and enterprise systems
Develop and manage program roadmaps aligned with Varda’s operational and mission objectives
Break strategic initiatives into executable projects and coordinate delivery across multiple technical teams
Lead cross‑functional program execution across engineering, security, operations, and facilities organizations
Drive delivery of complex initiatives, including network architecture deployments, secure infrastructure, and enterprise IT rollouts
Lead cybersecurity and compliance programs, including CMMC and NIST 800‑171 readiness
Coordinate technology deployments supporting facility buildouts, operational expansion, and mission infrastructure
Identify program risks, dependencies, and resource constraints, and implement mitigation strategies
Establish governance structures, reporting mechanisms, and documentation standards
Provide program updates to senior leadership, proactively surfacing risks and critical decisions
Manage vendor relationships and coordinate external partners supporting infrastructure and compliance initiatives

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in information systems, engineering, computer science, or related technical discipline
7+ years of experience managing complex technology programs or large‑scale IT projects
Experience leading cross‑functional teams across engineering, IT, and security organizations
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Proven ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment
Experience delivering infrastructure or enterprise technology implementations
S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the U.S. to conform with U.S Government space technology export regulations under ITAR

Preferred Skills

Experience in aerospace, defense, or other regulated industries
Experience supporting CMMC, NIST 800‑171, or other cybersecurity compliance frameworks
Experience delivering enterprise infrastructure or network architecture programs
Experience supporting technology implementations tied to facility expansion
Experience operating in high‑growth startup environments

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.

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