Vehicle Integration & Test Internship - Summer 2027
About This Role
Summer internships will range between the months of May and August. 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 Vehicle Integration & Test team at Varda is responsible for the assembly, integration, and verification of our spacecraft and reentry systems. Interns on this team play a critical role in bridging the gap between design and flight, gaining hands-on experience with flight hardware, test operations, and real-time problem solving. Whether you're building test equipment, assembling mechanical systems, or running spacecraft-level checks, you’ll be directly contributing to mission success.
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
Own or contribute to hardware or software design to support development of Spacecraft or payload
Develop and support system test campaigns
Perform necessary analysis to support development and verification efforts
Basic Qualifications
Hands-on experience in any engineering discipline
Modeling/Assembly CAD experience
Preferred Skills And Experience
Previous internship or co-op experience
Previous experience on technical project teams (i.e. Rocket club, formula SAE, etc.)
Python
Candidate Profiles
Successful candidates often fall into one of the following technical profiles, though responsibilities may overlap depending on project needs.
Avionics / Electrical Systems
Develop and interpret wiring schematics and harnessing
Support spacecraft electrical integration
Assist with avionics hardware testing and troubleshooting
Propulsion / Ground Test Engineering
Support propulsion system build and operation
Design ground support equipment (GSE) and develop propulsion test plans
Assist in executing and documenting hardware test campaigns
Software / Test Automation
Develop Python-based tools and user interfaces for test operations
Support test automation and data collection systems
Build software utilities to improve hardware testing workflows
Projects You May Work On
Intern projects will be tailored to company needs and student skillsets closer to the start date. Typical projects include:
Procedure generation to build and test spacecraft
Ground Support Equipment (GSE) design
Test development and execution
Flight hardware upgrades and modifications
Automating vehicle testing and data review
Compensation
Hourly Rate: $33.00
Housing stipend for interns relocating to the area
Commuter benefit to support local transportation
Benefits for Interns
Health & Wellness
Paid observed holidays
100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options
$120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents
Financial
$20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
Up to $4,000 gross up in relocation support, if eligible
Up to $850 commute credit through Lyft or car rental reimbursement, if eligible
Workplace Experience & Perks
Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
Complimentary EV charging