About the role#
The Guidance, Navigation, and Controls (GNC) team designs, analyzes, and tests the systems that allow our reentry vehicles to fly. As an intern, you will contribute to 6DOF simulations, control system modeling, sensor integration, and trajectory optimization. You will work within a collaborative team to support projects critical to our mission. This is a full-time, on-site role based in El Segundo, California, running between January and May 2027.
What you'll do#
- Contribute to analysis, algorithms, and simulations for reentry vehicles.
- Integrate and test GNC sensors, actuators, and software in simulation and hardware-in-the-loop environments.
- Design and implement mission-critical tooling for automated maneuver scheduling.
- Develop autonomous satellite attitude control, collision avoidance, orbital rendezvous, and atmospheric reentry algorithms.
- Perform trajectory design, optimization, and dispersion analysis for space capsules.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program in Aerospace, Mechanical, Computer, or Electrical Engineering, Data Science, Physics, or Mathematics.
- A previous internship focused on GNC.
- Familiarity with orbital mechanics and flight dynamics.
- Proficiency in C++ or Python and modern software development principles.
- Experience on a technical project team, such as a rocketry club or CubeSat team.
- Strong communication and documentation skills.
Location & details#
- Location: El Segundo, California.
- Term: Spring 2027 (January through May).
- Work Modality: Full-time, on-site.
- Compensation: $33.00 per hour, plus a housing stipend for those relocating.
- Eligibility: This position is open to U.S. persons only due to export control requirements.
About Varda Space Industries
Varda Space Industries operates in the defense and space manufacturing sector. The company focuses on orbital infrastructure, including pharmaceutical processing and reentry capsules. It produces items that require manufacturing in space, such as fiber optic cables and medical products. Founded in 2021, the firm maintains its headquarters in El Segundo, California. It currently employs over 250 people.
How to get in at Varda Space Industries
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