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Varda Space Industries · 4 months ago

Mechanical Engineering Internship - Summer 2026

El Segundo, California, United States

Internship

Onsite

Intern

Start in 2026 Summer

Varda is a company focused on developing commercial space infrastructure and accelerating innovation in the orbital economy. The Mechanical Engineering Internship offers students the chance to work on critical spaceflight hardware and ground support systems, contributing to in-space manufacturing and reentry missions while collaborating with experienced aerospace professionals.

AerospaceManufacturingProduct Design

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

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

Qualification

CADMATLABEngineering analysisMechanics of MaterialsThermodynamicsFabricationTechnical project ownershipCommunicationTeam collaboration

Required

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

Must be a U.S. person as defined by U.S. export regulations

Preferred

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.)

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)

Company

Varda Space Industries

Varda is building the infrastructure for a thriving orbital economy, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules.

Founded in 2021