Guidance, Navigation & Controls (GNC) Internship - Spring 2027

About This Role

Spring internships will range between the months of January and May. 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.

The GNC (Guidance, Navigation & Controls) team is responsible for the design, analysis, simulation, and operational performance of Varda’s reentry vehicles. In this internship, you'll help enable end-to-end GNC performance for our flight vehicles—supporting everything from 6DOF simulation and control system modeling to sensor integration and trajectory optimization.

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.

Responsibilities

As part of the GNC team, own or contribute to analysis, algorithms and simulations for reentry vehicles

Own Integration and testing of GNC sensors, actuators and software in simulation and hardware in the loop environments

Design and implement mission critical tooling needed to facilitate automated maneuver responsibility and scheduling decisions

Design and implementation of autonomous satellite attitude control, collision avoidance, orbital rendezvous, burn planning and atmospheric re-entry algorithms

Perform trajectory design, optimization, and dispersion analysis for the reentry of a space capsule

Basic Qualifications

Previous GNC internship

Familiar with orbital mechanics, flight dynamics, trajectory design and optimization, feedback controls, 6DOF flight simulations, navigation solutions, guidance navigation and controls flight algorithms, monte carlo analysis,

Familiarity with C++ or python and modern software development principles

Preferred Skills And Experience

At least one year of experience on a technical project team (e.g., CubeSat, Rocket Team, AIAA Design-Build-Fly, Formula SAE)

Previous experience working on simulation support tools or GNC tooling for aerospace vehicles

Familiarity with Monte Carlo analysis, navigation filters, sensor/actuator integration, or HIL simulation environments

Experience with tools like GMAT, POST2, MATLAB/Simulink, or custom orbital simulation frameworks

Strong communication and documentation skills

Compensation

Hourly Rate: $33.00

Housing stipend for interns relocating to the area

Commuter benefit to support local transportation