Mechanical Engineering Internship

Job Description

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.

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: Mechanical Engineering Internship

Summer internships at Varda will typically range between the months of May and August, with exact dates dependent upon the university schedule of the selected students. All internships are full-time and require on-site presence in Los Angeles, CA.

The Varda Mechanical Engineering Internship offers a unique opportunity to work on critical spaceflight hardware and ground support systems, directly contributing to our in-space manufacturing and reentry missions. Interns will integrate into a fast-paced team environment, collaborating on design, analysis, and test efforts for both flight and non-flight hardware.

Internships at Varda are ideal for students eager to grow technically and professionally while contributing to impactful projects vital to the company’s success. You will collaborate within a startup environment, learning from some of the most accomplished and experienced aerospace professionals in the world. We are dedicated to providing an experience where your decisions and contributions directly drive Varda’s success.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and development of spacecraft hardware or ground support equipment (MGSE).
• Support test campaign planning and execution, including test stand design and data analysis.
• Create CAD models, detailed drawings, and perform basic engineering analysis (FEA, thermal, etc.).
• Participate in design reviews and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to meet hardware requirements.
• Perform hands-on fabrication tasks or support machining operations when needed.

Basic Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in Engineering or Physics (Mechanical, Aerospace, or related field).
• Strong understanding of core engineering concepts, with completed coursework in:
  • Statics
  • Dynamics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Thermodynamics or Heat Transfer
• Experience using engineering tools such as CAD (e.g., NX), MATLAB, and/or LabVIEW.
• Proven ability to own and deliver a technically complex project, preferably in a team setting (e.g., FSAE, senior design, rocket team, etc.).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment.

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Junior or Senior academic standing.
• Previous internship or co-op experience in a technical role.
• Experience with fabrication or machining (manual or CNC).
• Familiarity with NX, GD&T, Femap/Nastran, or similar engineering tools.
• Background in space systems, spacecraft structures, or aerospace manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated success in technical extracurriculars (e.g., 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:

• Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) design.
• Tooling design and fabrication support.
• Test setup development and execution.
• Flight hardware upgrades and modifications.
• Generative design applications for spacecraft components.

ITAR Requirements

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. 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.

Benefits

• Exciting team of professionals at the top of their field working by your side.
• Health insurance, including Vision and Dental.
• Lunch and snacks provided on site every day. Dinners provided twice a week.
• Please note: Equity in a fully funded space startup, 401(k) matching, Unlimited PTO, and Maternity/Paternity leave are benefits for full-time employees and are excluded for interns.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

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 the E-Verify program.

E-Verify Notice | Right To Work Notice