Mechanisms & Payload Internship - Spring 2027

Varda Space Industries; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Commuter benefit

Relocation support

Wellness reimbursement

Parental leave

One Medical membership

401(k) company match

EV charging

Job summary

Varda Space Industries is seeking Spring Mechanisms & Payload Internship candidates for 2027. Interns will work on hardware and software design, testing, and analysis for in-space manufacturing payloads, with opportunities to contribute across disciplines in a startup aerospace environment.

Internships are full-time and on-site in Los Angeles, CA, January to May with university schedule alignment. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited undergrad or graduate degree program and gain

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or related field.
• Experience designing, building, and/or operating electromechanical hardware.
• Experience with CAD and basic programming skills.

Responsibilities

• Own or contribute to hardware or software design to support development of spacecraft or payload.
• Create or support test campaigns and build test stands.
• Perform analysis to support development and testing.

Skills

Mechanical CAD (NX preferred)

Electromechanical hardware design

Python programming

Hands-on with hand tools

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Mechanical, Computer, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

NX CAD

Python

Job description

Mechanisms & Payload Internship - Spring 2027

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.Varda’s W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses.

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

Spring internships will range between the months of January and May. All dates dependent upon the university schedule of the selected students. Internships are full-time and on-site in Los Angeles, CA. To be considered for this internship, candidates must be actively enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program.

The payload team is responsible for designing, building, testing, and operating Varda's in-space manufacturing and reentry testbed payloads. Given the cross-functional nature of payload projects, you'll have the opportunity to leverage your programming, mechatronics, structures, fabrication, and testing skills to deliver flight electromechanical hardware while engaging with subject matter experts from a wide variety of technical disciplines.

Internships at Varda are optimal for students looking to grow technically and professionally while working on impactful projects critical to the company’s success. You will be working on a collaborative team in a startup environment while being able to learn from some of most accomplished and experienced aerospace professionals in the world. We’re dedicated to providing an experience that will let your decisions and contributions help drive Varda’s success.

Responsibilities

• Own or contribute to hardware or software designtosupport development of Spacecraft or payload
• Create or support test campaignsand buildtest stands
• Perform necessary analysis to support development and testing

Basic Qualifications

• Experience with mechanical CAD (NX preferred)
• Experience designing, building, and/or operating electromechanical hardware (motors, sensors, linkages, gearboxes, solenoids, etc.)
• Basic programming skills in at least one language (python preferred)
• Comfort using common hand tools and interest in learning how to use machine tools to fabricate parts (e.g., drill press, lathe, mill, etc.)
• Pursuing a bachelor's or master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineer, or Electrical Engineering (or similar engineering degrees)

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Previous internship or co-op experience
• Previous experience on technical project teams (i.e.Rocket club, formula SAE, etc.)

Projects You May Work On

Intern projects will be tailored to company needs and student skillsets closer to the start date. Typical projects include full cycle (design, analysis, build, test, fly) ownership of :

• Flight mechanisms such as reaction wheels
• Microgravity pharmaceutical manufacturing payloads
• Hosted payloads such as heat shields, navigation systems, RF systems, etc.
• Custom test equipment or prototypes to develop all of the above

Compensation

• Hourly Rate: $33.00
• Housing stipend for interns relocating to the area
• Commuter benefit to support local transportation

Varda offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial well‑being, and a high‑quality workplace experience. Below is an overview of what full‑time employees receive(at this time, interns receive a subset of benefits):

• 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
• Voluntaryaccident, hospital, critical illness,andpet insurance
• $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
• 12weeks ofparental leave(with supplemental disability leavefor CAmothers)
• SponsoredOne Medicalmemberships for employees and their dependents
• Substantial incentive equityin a fully funded space start-up
• 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
• $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
• Relocation supportfor new hires, if needed

Workplace Experience & Perks

• Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
• Company and team-bonding events, happyhoursand mission-success celebrations
• Complimentary EV charging

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. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our 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).

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 theE-Verify program.

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.