About the role#
The propulsion team manages the fluid systems required for spacecraft orbital maneuvers and earth reentry. This includes thrusters, propellant tanks, and associated plumbing. You will work on a collaborative team to design, analyze, build, and test these systems. Interns gain exposure to the full design and manufacturing lifecycle of a space vehicle. This is a full-time, on-site role based in El Segundo, California, running between January and May 2027.
What you'll do#
- Own or contribute to hardware or software design for spacecraft or payload development.
- Create or support test campaigns and build test stands.
- Perform analysis to support development and testing.
- Work on projects such as hotfire test facility design, component test bench design, automated data reduction software, or valve qualification programs.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a bachelor's or master's degree program in Materials Science, Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering.
- Completed coursework in propulsion-related subjects such as fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, compressible flow, or combustion.
- Strong fundamentals in fluids engineering and prior hands-on experience building or testing fluid systems.
- Familiarity with engineering design software and principles, including NX, Teamcenter, GD&T, Matlab, or Python.
- Familiarity with the safe operation of combustion devices, rocket propellants, and pressurized systems.
- Familiarity with high-precision manufacturing environments.
- Previous experience on technical project teams or through internships is a plus.
Location & details#
- Location: El Segundo, California.
- Term: Spring 2027 (January to May).
- Work Modality: On-site.
- Compensation: $33.00 per hour, plus a housing stipend and commuter benefits.
- Employment Eligibility: This role requires status as a U.S. person to comply with export control regulations.
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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