Structures Engineering Internship Summer 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. Vardas 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.

Internships at Varda are optimal for students looking to grow technically and professionally while working on impactful projects critical to the companys 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. Were dedicated to providing an experience that will let your decisions and contributions help drive Vardas success.

Responsibilities

Be a part of the Varda Structures Team in designing building and testing mechanical elements of Vardas in-orbit manufacturing spacecraft or ground support equipment:

• Trade new design concepts using first-principles physics-driven approaches.
• Generate CAD models andengineering drawings for hardware that will go to space and back.
• Build and test development and flighthardware.

Basic Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelors or masters degree from an accredited college or university inMechanical EngineeringAerospace 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!

Preferred Skills And Experience

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

Potential Projects

Intern projects will be tailored to company needs and student skillsets closer to the start date. Previous projects included:

• 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

Compensation

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

Benefits for Interns

Health & Wellness

• Paidobservedholidays
• 100% company-paid Medical Dental and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options
• $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
• Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents

Financial

• $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
• Up to $4000gross up in relocation support ifeligible
• Up to $850commute credit through Lyft or car rental reimbursement if eligible

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

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. 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 the E-Verify program.

E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice

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.

Required Experience:

Intern