Mechanical Engineering Internship

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

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or graduate degree program in Engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, or related) or Physics
• Completed coursework in Statics, Dynamics, Mechanics of Materials, and Thermodynamics or Heat Transfer
• Experience using engineering tools such as CAD (e.g., NX), MATLAB, and/or LabVIEW
• Ability to work full-time on-site in Los Angeles, CA
• U.S. Person status required for ITAR compliance

Preferred Qualifications

• 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 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)

Benefits

• Hourly rate of $33.00
• Housing stipend for interns relocating to the area
• Commuter benefit to support local transportation
• Lunch and snacks provided on site daily, with dinners provided twice a week

About the Company

Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind by creating the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth.