About This RoleVarda Space Industries is looking for a Construction Project Engineer to support our expanding facilities and operations on Earth. This role will be responsible for overseeing and executing the design, buildout, and bring-up of infrastructure, facility improvements, and large capital projects at Varda's current and future sites.
You will work closely with internal teams - including facilities, engineering, production, finance, EHS, supply chain, and site reliability engineering - as well as numerous external contractors and municipal and regulatory agencies, to execute all phases of construction projects from design through closeout.
Responsibilities- Oversee and execute the entire lifecycle of multidisciplinary construction projects, from scope development through closeout
- Support development of project scope, budgets, schedules and resources in coordination with internal stakeholders, general and sub-contractors, vendors, and other external stakeholders
- Collect and evaluate competitive proposals from architects, engineers, vendors, consultants, and contractors, making selections based on quality, compliance and value
- Write and manage contracts with architects, engineers, vendors, consultants, and contractors across multiple disciplines
- Support design reviews to ensure alignment with municipal and regulatory standards/codes, coordinating with architectural & engineering (A&E) contractors on design deliverables
- Facilitate expedient approvals from municipal, county, and regulatory agencies on applicable project aspects, including permitting and inspections
- Monitor and expedite material procurements to ensure conformity with project schedules
- Maintain an active presence in the field through consistent site visits and inspections, as well as communication with architects, engineers, vendors, consultants, and contractors
- Promptly resolve design and construction discrepancies in the field with applicable stakeholders
- Ensure project milestones are completed within acceptable scheduling and budgetary parameters, optimizing for speed without sacrificing quality or scope
- Communicate project updates and risks to Varda leadership and stakeholders on a regular, frequent basis
- Ensure safety and environmental compliance at construction project sites in coordination with contractors, EHS, and other applicable stakeholders
- Review and approve contractor invoices, progress payment requests, and change order proposals, ensuring accuracy and adherence to contract terms and negotiating as appropriate
- Maintain organized project documentation, including designs and specifications, proposals, contracts, permits and related submittals, RFIs, invoices, change orders, and closeout documents
- Lead coordination with end-user stakeholders and facilities teams to ensure operational alignment and a smooth handoff for ongoing building operations and maintenance
- Manage tools, documentation, data, processes and systems related to construction projects
- Support real estate planning, space allocation, and other facilities-related initiatives as needed
Basic Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, or construction management
- 2+ years of professional experience in architecture, engineering, or construction management
- Familiarity with electrical, mechanical, architectural, and structural engineering principles
- Ability to manage priorities and multiple projects simultaneously, and take on additional responsibilities as needed
- Ability to articulate technical and non-technical material clearly to various personnel
Preferred Qualifications - Master's degree in a related field (e.g., Construction or Engineering Management)
- Project Management Professional (PMP), Planning & Scheduling Professional (PSP), or equivalent certification
- Experience with Revit, AutoCAD, and/or Smartsheet
- Experience with infrastructure projects in aerospace, manufacturing, cleanroom, and/or pharmaceutical or biotech lab environments
Pay Range- Salary range: $101,000 to $155,000
- This role is on-sitein El Segundo, CA
- Leveling and salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
BenefitsConsider your benefits covered for launch. At Varda, we invest in benefits and perks that support your health, financial well-being, and life beyond work. Benefits vary by position, with packages designed specifically for our regular full-time employees and interns.
Regular Full-Time Positions: 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
Benefits for Internship Positions: Health & Wellness - 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options.
- $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses.
- Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents.
Financial - $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement.
- Up to $4,000 gross up in relocation support, if eligible
- Up to $850 commute credit through Lyft or car rental reimbursement, if eligible.
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
