Automation & Test Internship - Fall 2026
About The Position
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. Varda is looking for a hands-on Automation & Test Intern to support the design, build, and test of terrestrial hardware systems used in spacecraft and propulsion testing. This role offers a 50/50 split between lab work and desk engineering, ideal for candidates eager to apply their electrical and programming skills in a real-world aerospace environment. Interns in this position will gain meaningful experience developing ground support equipment, including test racks, harnesses, and test chambers. You'll work closely with multidisciplinary teams to help bring spacecraft hardware from concept to test readiness. 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.
Requirements
- Pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering
- Proficiency in Python
- Experience with:
- Building and testing electrical systems (racks, wiring, harnesses)
- Hands-on work with mechanical/electrical tools
- Basic programming for control or data acquisition systems
- Comfortable with a 50% lab / 50% desk work split
- Relevant coursework in electrical engineering and programming, with cross-functional exposure to mechanical and avionics systems
Nice To Haves
- Undergraduate or Master’s level student
- Previous internship or lab research experience
- Involvement in hands-on project teams (e.g., SAE, rocketry, robotics)
Responsibilities
- Support the development of electrical ground support equipment for propulsion test stands
- Assist in the testing and build-out of hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) racks and harnesses
- Design and assemble custom terrestrial hardware and test setups
- Support spacecraft testing operations, including thermal vacuum chamber systems
- Engage in hands-on build work as well as electrical/software integration and documentation
Benefits
- Exciting team of professionals at the top of their field working by your side
- Health insurance, including Vision and Dental
- Lunch and snacks provided on site every day. Dinners provided twice a week.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
