Mechanical Engineering Internship - Summer 2026

Varda Space Industries • El Segundo, CA

124d

About The Position

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 the 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

• 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

Nice To Haves

• 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.)

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

Benefits

• Exciting team of professionals at the top of their field working by your side
• Equity in a fully funded space startup with potential for significant growth (interns excluded)
• 401(k) matching (interns excluded)
• Unlimited PTO (interns excluded)
• Health insurance, including Vision and Dental
• Lunch and snacks provided on site every day. Dinners provided twice a week.
• Maternity / Paternity leave (interns excluded)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees