Flight Software Internship - Spring 2027

UEC; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Commuter benefits

Paid holidays

Medical insurance

Wellness reimbursement

Relocation support

Lyft credit

EV charging

Lunch provided

Job summary

UEC in Los Angeles, CA is seeking a highly motivated intern with strong C++ skills and hands-on experience in embedded systems. You will work on software powering missions across ground and flight systems, develop tools in C++/Python, and build automation for simulation and testing.

The role requires on-site work January through May, with relocation and commuter benefits offered as part of the compensation package.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in C++.
• Experience with embedded systems or microcontrollers beyond Arduino.
• Strong understanding of data structures, algorithms, and operating systems.
• Ability to debug complex software issues and work in Linux environments.
• Familiarity with concurrency, networking, performance and reliability.
• Exposure to real-time embedded development or safety-critical software; knowledge of math and physics.
• Participation in projects related to robotics, rocketry, capstone projects, personal builds, lab work or open-source contributions.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to software powering Varda's missions across ground systems, flight and embedded software, testing and simulation, and developer platform and infrastructure.
• Build Python and/or C++ tools, services, and libraries interfacing with flight and ground systems, focusing on correctness, determinism, and observability.
• Develop automation for simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, and scenario-based testing.
• Debug complex issues involving OS behavior, networking, timing, and hardware-software interactions.
• Collaborate with flight software, embedded systems, mission operations, and test teams; communicate clearly and seek support when needed.
• Work full-time on-site in Los Angeles, CA during the internship period (January to May, dates depend on university schedule).

Skills

C++

Embedded systems

Linux

Data structures

Networking basics

Real-time embedded development

Math & physics

Education

Coursework: Computer Architecture

Coursework: Operating Systems

Coursework: Software Engineering

Coursework: Data Structures & Algorithms

Job description

Your Role

Here's what you will be doing:

• Contribute to software powering Varda's missions across ground systems, flight and embedded software, testing and simulation, and developer platform and infrastructure.
• Build Python and/or C++ tools, services, and libraries interfacing with flight and ground systems, focusing on correctness, determinism, and observability.
• Develop automation for simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, and scenario-based testing.
• Debug complex issues involving OS behavior, networking, timing, and hardware-software interactions.
• Collaborate with flight software, embedded systems, mission operations, and test teams; communicate clearly and seek support when needed.
• Work full-time on-site in Los Angeles, CA during the internship period (January to May, dates depend on university schedule).

About You

The company is looking for candidates with:

• Proficiency in C++.
• Experience with embedded systems or microcontrollers beyond Arduino.
• Understanding of core computer science fundamentals including data structures, algorithms, and operating systems.
• Ability to debug complex software issues and comfort working in Linux environments.
• Familiarity with systems fundamentals such as concurrency, networking, performance, and reliability.
• Exposure to real-time embedded development or safety-critical software, with working knowledge of math and physics.
• Participation in projects like robotics, rocketry, capstone projects, personal builds, lab work, or open-source contributions demonstrating interest in systems beneath abstraction layers.

Relevant coursework includes Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, Software Engineering, Data Structures & Algorithms, with bonus points for Signals and Systems, Digital Design, Assembly, Embedded Systems, and Electronics.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly rate of $37.00.
• Housing stipend for interns relocating to the area.
• Commuter benefit to support local transportation.
• Paid observed holidays.
• 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.
• $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.
• Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner twice weekly.
• Company and team-bonding events, happy hours, and mission-success celebrations.
• Complimentary EV charging.