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 a Facilities Senior Plumber at Varda Space Industries, you will be responsible for maintaining and repairing commercial and industrial plumbing systems across our manufacturing and office facilities. Your role will involve installing and troubleshooting plumbing components, supporting infrastructure projects, and coordinating with various teams to ensure efficient operations and minimal downtime. You will perform inspections, preventative maintenance, and manage work orders using JIRA, all while ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations. Your expertise will also be crucial in responding to urgent plumbing issues, providing after-hours support when needed, and contributing to the overall functionality and safety of our facilities.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Perform routine and emergency maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of commercial and industrial plumbing systems throughout manufacturing and office facilities
- Install, maintain, and repair plumbing components including water supply lines, drain systems, valves, fixtures, pumps, backflow devices, and compressed air piping
- Diagnose plumbing issues and perform corrective repairs on leaks, clogged drains, restroom systems, water heaters, and process utility systems
- Support facility infrastructure projects including equipment installations, piping modifications, and tenant improvements in manufacturing environments
- Coordinate plumbing-related projects with facilities management, production engineers, contractors, and vendors while maintaining project schedules and minimizing production downtime
- Perform inspections and preventative maintenance on plumbing infrastructure, piping systems, pumps, pressure regulators, and related mechanical equipment
- Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, technical drawings, and plumbing specifications
- Support general facilities operations as needed, including moving equipment, assisting with facility setups, and maintaining clean and organized work areas
- Operate forklifts, scissor lifts, boom lifts, and other material handling equipment when required
- Open, track, and complete electronic work orders using the company’s maintenance management system (JIRA)
- Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, environmental health and safety requirements, and company safety standards at all times
- Respond to urgent plumbing issues and support after-hours or weekend emergency calls as needed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate
- 3+ years of commercial, industrial, or manufacturing plumbing experience
- Experience troubleshooting and repairing plumbing systems in industrial or manufacturing facilities
- Valid California driver’s license
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Journeyman plumbing certification or equivalent trade experience preferred
- Experience in aerospace, manufacturing, semiconductor, or industrial facilities environments
- Knowledge of commercial plumbing codes and safety regulations
- Experience with industrial piping systems including copper, PVC, stainless steel, black iron, and compressed air systems
- Familiarity with pumps, water heaters, backflow prevention devices, and industrial utility systems
- Basic understanding of HVAC, mechanical, and facilities systems
- Ability to read blueprints, piping diagrams, and construction drawings
- Experience coordinating contractors and outside vendors
- Proficient with MS Outlook, Teams, Excel, and electronic work order systems
- Strong troubleshooting, communication, and organizational skills
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Experience operating forklifts, scissor lifts, boom lifts, and working at heights
- Own basic plumbing hand tools and maintenance tools preferred
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able to work 1st shift or alternate shifts as required
1st Shift: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- On-call support as needed
- Must be available for overtime, weekends, and emergency call-ins as needed
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted
- Must be able to stand for extended periods and perform physical activities including climbing ladders, bending, kneeling, crouching, pulling, pushing, and working in confined spaces
- Ability to work safely around manufacturing equipment and active production environments
Pay Range
- Pay range:
Facilities Plumber / Level 1: $28.00 – $34.00/hour
Facilities Plumber / Level 2: $34.00 – $40.00/hour
Facilities Plumber / Level 3: $40.00 – $48.00/hour
- 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
ITAR Requirements
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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
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