Mechanisms & Payload Internship - Spring 2027

About the Company

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 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 headquartered in El Segundo, California, with additional offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.

Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with backing from world-class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital. The team includes veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies, and Silicon Valley.

About the Role

Spring internships will range between January and May, depending on university schedules. Internships are full-time and on-site in Los Angeles, CA. To be considered, candidates must be actively enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program.

The payload team designs, builds, tests, and operates Varda's in-space manufacturing and reentry testbed payloads. This cross-functional role allows you to leverage programming, mechatronics, structures, fabrication, and testing skills while collaborating with experts across technical disciplines. Internships at Varda are ideal for students seeking technical and professional growth through impactful projects critical to the company’s success.

Responsibilities

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

Requirements

• 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 machine tools (e.g., drill press, lathe, mill)
• Pursuing a bachelor's or master’s degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a similar field

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Previous internship or co-op experience
• Experience on technical project teams (e.g., Rocket club, Formula SAE)

Projects You May Work On

Intern projects will be tailored to company needs and student skillsets. Typical projects include full-cycle ownership (design, analysis, build, test, fly) 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

Pay

Hourly Rate: $33.00

Additional benefits for interns include a housing stipend for those relocating to the area and a commuter benefit to support local transportation.

Benefits

While interns receive a subset of the following benefits, full-time employees at Varda enjoy:

• Health & Wellness:
  • Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays
  • 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents (with FSA and employer-matched HSA options)
  • Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance
  • $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
  • 12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)
  • Family building, pregnancy, parenting, and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic
  • Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and dependents
• Financial & Retirement:
  • Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up
  • 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
  • $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
  • Relocation support for new hires, if needed
• Workplace Experience & Perks:
  • Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
  • Company and team-bonding events, happy hours, and mission-success celebrations
  • Complimentary EV charging