Vehicle Integration & Test Internship

About Varda

Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, including in-orbit pharmaceutical processing and reentry capsules. Our W-Series vehicles are designed, built, and operated in-house. We aim to expand the economic bounds of humankind by manufacturing products in space that benefit Earth. Our team comprises veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies, and Silicon Valley. Founded in January 2021, Varda is backed by prominent investors and is headquartered in El Segundo, California, with offices in Washington, DC, and Huntsville, AL.

About This Role

Spring internships will range from January to May, with dates dependent on university schedules. Internships are full-time and on-site in Los Angeles, CA. Candidates must be actively enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program. The Vehicle Integration & Test team is responsible for the assembly, integration, and verification of spacecraft and reentry systems. Interns will gain hands-on experience with flight hardware, test operations, and real-time problem-solving, contributing directly to mission success. This is an opportunity for technical and professional growth in a collaborative startup environment, learning from experienced aerospace professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Own or contribute to hardware or software design to support Spacecraft or payload development.
• Develop and support system test campaigns.
• Perform necessary analysis to support development and verification efforts.

Candidate Profiles

• Avionics / Electrical Systems
• Develop and interpret wiring schematics and harnessing.
• Support spacecraft electrical integration.
• Assist with avionics hardware testing and troubleshooting.
• Propulsion / Ground Test Engineering
• Support propulsion system build and operation.
• Design ground support equipment (GSE) and develop propulsion test plans.
• Assist in executing and documenting hardware test campaigns.
• Software / Test Automation
• Develop Python-based tools and user interfaces for test operations.
• Support test automation and data collection systems.
• Build software utilities to improve hardware testing workflows.

Projects You May Work On

Intern projects will be tailored to company needs and student skillsets. Typical projects include:

• Procedure generation to build and test spacecraft.
• Ground Support Equipment (GSE) design.
• Test development and execution.
• Flight hardware upgrades and modifications.
• Automating vehicle testing and data review.

Basic Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in any engineering discipline.
• Modeling/Assembly CAD experience.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Previous internship or co-op experience.
• Previous experience on technical project teams (e.g., Rocket club, Formula SAE).
• Python.

Compensation

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

Benefits for Interns

• 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.
• 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

To work in the U.S. and have access to export-controlled items, employees must be “U.S. persons.” A “U.S. person” includes U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).