at Varda Space
Location
El Segundo, California, United States
Compensation
$69k USD
Type
full time
Posted
1 months ago
Market range · function + seniority
p25 · target · p75 · n=800
Posted $69k · well below market
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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.
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.
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
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
Undergraduate or Master’s level student
Previous internship or lab research experience
Involvement in hands-on project teams (e.g., SAE, rocketry, robotics)
Design, fabrication, and assembly of thermal vacuum chamber test equipment, including wiring, electronics, pumps, and fluid loops
Development of custom tooling and hardware for spacecraft testing (e.g., weldments, machined parts)
Integration of electrical ground support systems for full-vehicle propulsion test campaigns
Varda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. At present, some of our technology to which employees have access requires a license to be exported to individuals other than “U.S. Persons” as defined in U.S. export regulations. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our current policy is to only hire “U.S. persons” who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license.
“US person” means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum in the U.S.)
Learn more about the ITAR here.
Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice
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