Mechanisms & Payload 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 Los Angeles, CA. To be considered for this internship, candidates must be actively enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program. The payload team is responsible for designing, building, testing, and operating Varda's in-space manufacturing and reentry testbed payloads. Given the cross-functional nature of payload projects, you'll have the opportunity to leverage your programming, mechatronics, structures, fabrication, and testing skills to deliver flight electromechanical hardware while engaging with subject matter experts from a wide variety of technical disciplines. 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 Own or contribute to hardware or software design to support development of Spacecraft or payload Create or support test campaigns and build test stands Perform necessary analysis to support development and testing Basic Qualifications Experience with mechanical CAD (NX preferred) Experience designing, building, and/or operating electromechanical hardware (motors, sensors, linkages, gearboxes, solenoids, etc.) Basic programming skills in at least one language (python preferred) Comfort using common hand tools and interest in learning how to use machine tools to fabricate parts (e.g., drill press, lathe, mill, etc.) Pursuing a bachelor's or master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineer, or Electrical Engineering (or similar engineering degrees) Preferred Skills And Experience Previous internship or co-op experience Previous experience on technical project teams (i.e. Rocket club, formula SAE, etc.) Projects You May Work On Intern projects will be tailored to company needs and student skillsets closer to the start date. Typical projects include full cycle (design, analysis, build, test, fly) ownership of : Flight mechanisms such as reaction whee…