Construction Project Engineer

About This Role

Varda 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-site in El Segundo, CA
• Leveling and salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance