Structures Engineering Internship - Summer 2027

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.

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.
• 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

• 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.
• Potential Projects
• Intern projects will be tailored to company needs and student skillsets closer to the start date. Previous projects included:
• Test setup development and execution
• Flight hardware upgrades and modifications
• Generative design applications for spacecraft components

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.

Basic Qualifications

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).

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) design
• Tooling design and fabrication support

Compensation

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

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
• 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

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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.