Supply Chain Internship - Spring 2027

Varda Space Industries; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Commuter benefit

Fully stocked kitchen

Team events

Job summary

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA invites applications for a Spring Supply Chain internship. This full-time, on-site role runs January through May, requiring active enrollment in an accredited degree program.

Responsibilities span procurement, logistics, inventory, demand planning, and process optimization. The internship emphasizes collaboration in a startup aerospace environment, mentorship from seasoned professionals, and hands-on projects that drive Varda’s success.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency with Excel and general Microsoft Office tools.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Interest in data analytics and supplier communications.

Responsibilities

• Inventory Operations: Improve the flow of materials from receiving to kitting and internal use.
• Supplier Quality: Define and audit quality requirements with suppliers, improving part and process quality.
• Purchasing: Source and lead RFQ efforts, negotiate with suppliers, and improve data integrity and lead time tracking.
• Planning: Improve lead time accuracy and BOM completeness to support MRP.
• Data Analytics: Create metrics, dashboards, and reports to support supply chain decision-making.

Skills

Excel

Communication

Curiosity

Teamwork

Education

Supply Chain

Industrial Engineering

Manufacturing Engineering

Related field

Tools

SQL

Python

Job description

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 El Segundo, CA. To be considered for this internship, candidates must be actively enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program.

The Supply Chain role involves managing the movement of goods, services, and information to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Responsibilities vary by position but generally include procurement, logistics, inventory management, demand planning, and process optimization. Key roles such as Supply Chain Analysts, Procurement Specialists, and Logistics Coordinators focus on data analysis, supplier management, and distribution. Supply Chain Managers oversee overall strategy and operations, ensuring smooth and cost-effective processes from sourcing to delivery.

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

Inventory Operations: Improve the flow of materials from receiving to kitting and internal use

Supplier Quality: Define and audit quality requirements with suppliers, improving overall part and process quality

Purchasing: Source and lead RFQ efforts, negotiate with suppliers, and improve systems for data integrity and lead time tracking

Planning: Improve lead time accuracy and BOM completeness to support our MRP (Material Requirements Planning) system

Data Analytics: Create metrics, dashboards, and reports to support supply chain decision-making and continuous improvement

Basic Qualifications

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and general Microsoft Office tools

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Demonstrated curiosity and willingness to learn new technical or operational concepts

Currently pursuing a degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field

Preferred Skills and Experience

Coursework in:

Manufacturing (machining or materials)

Operations or Supply Chain Management

Data Analytics (SQL or Python)

Production Control or MRP concepts

Statistics and Engineering labs

Experience or interest in SQL, Python, or coding for analytics

Participation in relevant extracurriculars (e.g., Formula SAE, CubeSat teams)

Familiarity with BOMs, RFQs, and supplier communications

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.