Structures Engineering Internship - Spring 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.  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.  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 Be a part of the Varda Structures Team in designing, building, and testing 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. Basic Qualifications 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! 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, using basic equipment such as a mill or lathe. Experience with Python or other engineering programming languages. Familiarity with GD&T concepts.  Compensation Hourly Rate : $33.00 Housing stipend for interns relocating to the area Commuter benefit to support local transportation Benefits Consider your benefits covered for launch.  At Varda, we invest in benefits and perks that support your health, financial well-being, and life beyond work. Benefits vary by position, with packages designed specifically for our regular full-time employees and interns.   Regular Full-Time Positions:   Health & Wellness     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    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   Benefits for Internship Positions:   Health & Wellness     Paid observed holidays.     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 $4,000 gross up in relocation support, if eligible    Up to $850 commute 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, happy hours and mission-success celebrations