Mechanisms & Payload Internship - Spring 2027
About The Position
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.
Requirements
- 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)
Nice To Haves
- Previous internship or co-op experience
- Previous experience on technical project teams (i.e. Rocket club, formula SAE, etc.)
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
Benefits
- 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
- 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
- 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
Associate degree
