Sr. Program Manager

About VardaLow 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 RoleAs 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.ResponsibilitiesOwn planning and execution of critical IT programs spanning infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity compliance, and enterprise systemsDevelop and manage program roadmaps aligned with Varda’s operational and mission objectivesBreak strategic initiatives into executable projects and coordinate delivery across multiple technical teamsLead cross‑functional program execution across engineering, security, operations, and facilities organizationsDrive delivery of complex initiatives, including network architecture deployments, secure infrastructure, and enterprise IT rolloutsLead cybersecurity and compliance programs, including CMMC and NIST 800‑171 readinessCoordinate technology deployments supporting facility buildouts, operational expansion, and mission infrastructureIdentify program risks, dependencies, and resource constraints, and implement mitigation strategiesEstablish governance structures, reporting mechanisms, and documentation standardsProvide program updates to senior leadership, proactively surfacing risks and critical decisionsManage vendor relationships and coordinate external partners supporting infrastructure and compliance initiativesBasic QualificationsBachelor’s degree in information systems, engineering, computer science, or related technical discipline7+ years of experience managing complex technology programs or large‑scale IT projectsExperience leading cross‑functional teams across engineering, IT, and security organizationsStrong written and verbal communication skillsProven ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously in a fast‑paced environmentExperience delivering infrastructure or enterprise technology implementationsS. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the U.S. to conform with U.S Government space technology export regulations under ITARPreferred SkillsExperience in aerospace, defense, or other regulated industriesExperience supporting CMMC, NIST 800‑171, or other cybersecurity compliance frameworksExperience delivering enterprise infrastructure or network architecture programsExperience supporting technology implementations tied to facility expansionExperience operating in high‑growth startup environmentsITAR RequirementsVarda, 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. BenefitsExciting team of professionals at the top of their field working by your sideEquity 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 DentalLunch 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 StatementVarda 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 NoticeRead more Read more