Structures Engineering Internship - Spring 2027

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, Varda is 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 comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies, and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 with significant backing from world-class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital. Headquartered in El Segundo, California, Varda has offices and a production facility where vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested, as well as additional offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.

About the role

Spring internships will range between January and May, dependent upon the university schedule of the selected students. Internships are full-time and on-site in El Segundo, CA. To be considered, candidates must be actively enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program. 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 collaborate in a startup environment while learning from accomplished aerospace professionals.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and test mechanical elements of Varda's in-orbit manufacturing spacecraft or ground support equipment.
• Trade new design concepts using first-principles, physics-driven approaches.
• Generate CAD models and engineering drawings for hardware that will go to space and back.
• Build and test development and flight hardware.

Requirements

• Pursuing a bachelor's or master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Physics, or similar engineering degrees.
• Demonstrated ability to tackle and solve engineering challenges with involvement on technical projects (e.g., Rocket Club, Formula SAE, previous internship or co-op experience, personal projects).
• Desire to make your mark in a technically complex and fast-moving environment, with a passion for expanding what we can do in space.

Skills

• Experience with CAD software (Siemens NX used at Varda).
• Experience with finite element analysis (Femap w/ NASTRAN used at Varda).
• Experience with machining, using basic equipment such as a mill or lathe.
• Experience with Python or other engineering programming languages.
• Familiarity with GD&T concepts.

Pay

Hourly Rate: $33.00

Benefits

Interns receive a subset of the following benefits:

• Housing stipend for interns relocating to the area.
• Commuter benefit to support local transportation.
• 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.
• 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 their dependents.
• 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.
• 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.

Varda is an E-Verify employer and requires employees to be U.S. persons (U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).