Structures Engineering Internship - Spring 2027

About the company

Varda operates in-orbit manufacturing capsules that use microgravity crystallization to produce pharmaceuticals and biologics, supports process engineering via a terrestrial lab and hyper-gravity screening, and manufactures spacecraft in-house.

About this role

<div class="content-intro"><h2><span data-contrast="none">About Varda</span></h2> <p>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.&nbsp;<strong>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.</strong></p> <p>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. &nbsp;</p> <p>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. &nbsp;</p> <p>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.&nbsp;</p> <p>Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.</p></div><p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span data-contrast="none">About This Role</span>&nbsp;</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>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.&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><span data-contrast="none">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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":40,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}">&nbsp;</span></p> <h2><span data-contrast="none">Responsibilities</span></h2> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-teams="true"><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak">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:</span></span> <ul> <li>Trade new design concepts using first-principles, physics-driven approaches.</li> <li>Generate CAD models and&nbsp;engineering drawings for hardware that will go to space and back.</li> <li>Build and test development and flight&nbsp;hardware.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <h2>Basic Qualifications</h2> <ul> <li data-leveltext="•" data-font="Calibri" data-listid="1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"> <ul> <li>Pursuing a bachelor's or master’s degree from an accredited college or university in&nbsp;Mechanical Engineering,&nbsp;Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Physics, or similar engineering degrees.</li> <li>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).</li> <li>Desire to make your mark in a technically complex and fast-moving environment, with a passion for expanding what we can do in space!</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <h2><span data-contrast="none">Preferred Skills And Experience</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":40,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}">&nbsp;</span></h2> <ul> <li>Experience with CAD software (Siemens NX used at Varda).</li> <li>Experience with finite element analysis (Femap w/ NASTRAN used at Varda).</li> <li>Experience with machining, using&nbsp;basic equipment such as a mill or lathe.</li> <li>Experience with Python or other engineering programming languages.</li> <li>Familiarity with GD&amp;T concepts.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Compensation</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Hourly Rate</strong>: $33.00</li> <li><strong>Housing stipend</strong> for interns relocating to the area</li> <li><strong>Commuter benefit</strong> to support local transportation</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p><div class="content-conclusion"><div> <h2><span data-contrast="auto">Benefits</span></h2> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Varda offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial well‑being, and a high‑quality workplace experience. Below is an overview of what full‑time employees receive&nbsp;(at this time, interns receive a subset of benefits):</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Health &amp; Wellness</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}">&nbsp;</span></p> <ul> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Flexible PTO policy +&nbsp;12 paid holidays</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}">&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options