Mechanical Engineering Internship - Fall 2026

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   Fall internships will range between the months of August and December.  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 Varda Mechanical Engineering Internship provides an opportunity to work on critical spaceflight hardware and ground support systems, contributing directly to our in-space manufacturing and reentry missions. Interns will join a fast-paced team environment, collaborating on design, analysis, and test efforts for both flight and non-flight hardware. 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 Contribute to the design and development of spacecraft hardware or ground support equipment (MGSE) Support test campaign planning and execution, including test stand design and data analysis Create CAD models, detailed drawings, and perform basic engineering analysis (FEA, thermal, etc.) Participate in design reviews and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to meet hardware requirements Perform hands-on fabrication tasks or support machining operations when needed Basic Qualifications Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in Engineering or Physics (Mechanical, Aerospace, or related field) Strong understanding of core engineering concepts, with completed coursework in: Statics Dynamics Mechanics of Materials Thermodynamics or Heat Transfer Experience using engineering tools such as CAD (e.g., NX), MATLAB, and/or LabVIEW Proven ability to own and deliver a technically complex project, preferably in a team setting (e.g., FSAE, senior design, rocket team, etc.) Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment Preferred Skills And Experience   Junior or Senior academic standing Previous internship or co-op experience in a technical role Experience with fabrication or machining (manual or CNC) Familiarity with NX, GD&T, Femap/Nastran, or similar engineering tools Background in space systems, spacecraft structures, or aerospace manufacturing processes Demonstrated success in technical extracurriculars (e.g., 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: 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 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 (at this time, interns receive a subset of benefits):   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 a