Mechanical Engineering Internship - Summer 2026

The Varda Mechanical Engineering Internship provides an opportunity to work on critical spaceflight hardware and ground support systems, contributing directly to our in-space manufacturing and reentry missions. Interns will join a fast-paced team environment, collaborating on design, analysis, and test efforts for both flight and non-flight hardware.

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. 

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  Contribute to the design and development of spacecraft hardware or ground support equipment (MGSE)

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  Support test campaign planning and execution, including test stand design and data analysis

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  Create CAD models, detailed drawings, and perform basic engineering analysis (FEA, thermal, etc.)

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  Participate in design reviews and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to meet hardware requirements

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  Perform hands-on fabrication tasks or support machining operations when needed

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in Engineering or Physics (Mechanical, Aerospace, or related field)

• Strong understanding of core engineering concepts, with completed coursework in:

  • Statics

  • Dynamics

  • Mechanics of Materials

  • Thermodynamics or Heat Transfer

• Experience using engineering tools such as CAD (e.g., NX), MATLAB, and/or LabVIEW

• Proven ability to own and deliver a technically complex project, preferably in a team setting (e.g., FSAE, senior design, rocket team, etc.)

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment

• 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 NX, 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, etc.)

Intern projects will be tailored to company needs and student skillsets closer to the start date. Typical projects include:

• Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) design

• Tooling design and fabrication support

• Test setup development and execution

• Flight hardware upgrades and modifications

• Generative design applications for spacecraft components

• Varda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.  Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. At present, some of our technology to which employees have access requires a license to be exported to individuals other than “U.S. Persons” as defined in U.S. export regulations. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our current policy is to only hire “U.S. persons” who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license. 

  “US person” means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum in the U.S.)

   Learn more about the ITAR here.  

Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.

E-Verify Notice                                                               Right To Work Notice

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