Mission Software (Python) Internship - Fall 2026

Varda Space Industries•El Segundo, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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. 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. In this role, you will contribute to developing internal mission control software used by engineers and operators to monitor, command, and analyze Varda’s spacecraft. This includes building automation scripts, backend services, and telemetry systems that ensure smooth and reliable operations across all phases of flight. You'll work closely with the flight software, test, and systems teams to help bring our missions from launch to recovery. 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

Proficiency in Python
Understanding of core computer science fundamentals (data structures, algorithms, OS, etc.)
Ability to debug complex software issues
Comfort working in Linux-based environments

Nice To Haves

Experience contributing to software projects outside class
Knowledge of signals and systems, digital design, or embedded development is a bonus
Experience on college “project teams” (e.g., rocketry, robotics, etc.)

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain Python-based tools that interface with flight and ground systems
Assist in scripting and automation to support mission operations
Contribute to backend systems used for telemetry, data processing, or test coordination
Help ensure mission software reliability and maintainability through good software engineering practices

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)

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume