How much experience is required?

At least 1 year of relevant experience for this Guidance, Navigation & Controls (GNC) Internship - Summer 2027 role.

Where is the role based?

Varda Space is hiring for this position in El Segundo, California, United States.

What's the tech stack?

Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: C++, GMAT, MATLAB, Monte Carlo, POST2, Python.

What seniority level is this role?

Varda Space targets intern candidates for this position.

Guidance, Navigation & Controls (GNC) Internship - Summer 2027 at Varda Space

Joblaze summary

In this internship, the individual will contribute to the design and analysis of guidance, navigation, and control systems for Varda's reentry vehicles, engaging in tasks such as simulation, sensor integration, and trajectory optimization. Proficiency in C++ or Python, along with a solid understanding of orbital mechanics and flight dynamics, is essential for success in this role. This position is ideal for students with prior GNC experience and a background in aerospace or related fields, looking to deepen their technical skills in a startup environment. Varda's team comprises seasoned professionals from leading aerospace companies, providing a rich learning atmosphere.

Joblaze insights

Listed today — first seen on Joblaze October 3, 2026. Last confirmed on Varda Space's careers page October 3, 2026.
Python appears in 20.1% of 622 comparable intern other roles in United States; Monte Carlo appears in 0.2% of 622 comparable intern other roles in United States.

Quick facts

Is the Guidance, Navigation & Controls (GNC) Internship - Summer 2027 role remote?: No — this is an on-site role in El Segundo, California, United States.
How much experience is required?: At least 1 year of relevant experience for this Guidance, Navigation & Controls (GNC) Internship - Summer 2027 role.
Where is the role based?: Varda Space is hiring for this position in El Segundo, California, United States.
What's the tech stack?: Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: C++, GMAT, MATLAB, Monte Carlo, POST2, Python.
What seniority level is this role?: Varda Space targets intern candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?: Internship for this Guidance, Navigation & Controls (GNC) Internship - Summer 2027 role at Varda Space.

From the original posting

About Varda

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.

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

Benefits

Regular Full-Time Positions:

Health & Wellness 

Financial & Retirement 

Workplace Experience & Perks

Intern Positions:

Health & Wellness  

Financial  

Workplace Experience & Perks

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