Mechanisms & Payload Internship - Summer 2027
Join Varda as a summer intern to work on in-space manufacturing and reentry testbed payloads in a collaborative startup environment.
Posted by employer 2 days ago
First seen on Joblaze 17 hours ago
Last verified on the company career page 17 hours ago
Skills & Technologies
What you'll build
- Contribute to hardware or software design
- Create test campaigns and build test stands
- Perform analysis to support development and testing
Must have
- Experience with mechanical CAD
- Experience designing electromechanical hardware
- Basic programming skills in at least one language
- Pursuing a bachelor's or master’s degree in relevant fields
Nice to have
- Previous internship or co-op experience
- Experience on technical project teams
Requirements
- Education
- Bachelor's degree
- Visa
- No sponsorship (stated in posting)
Not disclosed in this posting: years of experience.
Benefits
Joblaze summary
The Mechanisms & Payload Internship at Varda Space involves hands-on work in designing, building, and testing electromechanical hardware for in-space manufacturing and reentry payloads. Candidates should have experience with mechanical CAD, programming skills, and a background in engineering disciplines such as Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. This role is ideal for students seeking practical experience in a startup environment, collaborating with seasoned aerospace professionals on impactful projects.
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; Mechanical CAD appears in 0.2% of 622 comparable intern other roles in United States.
Quick facts
- Is the Mechanisms & Payload Internship - Summer 2027 role remote?
- No — this is an on-site role in El Segundo, California, United States.
- What's the salary range?
- Varda Space lists $33–$33 for this 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: Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical CAD, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics.
- What seniority level is this role?
- Varda Space targets intern candidates for this position.
- Is this full-time or contract?
- Internship for this Mechanisms & Payload 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. To be considered for this internship, candidates must be actively enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program.
The payload team is responsible for designing, building, testing, and operating Varda's in-space manufacturing and reentry testbed payloads. Given the cross-functional nature of payload projects, you'll have the opportunity to leverage your programming, mechatronics, structures, fabrication, and testing skills to deliver flight electromechanical hardware while engaging with subject matter experts from a wide variety of technical disciplines.
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
- Create or support test campaigns and build test stands
- Perform necessary analysis to support development and testing
Basic Qualifications
- Experience with mechanical CAD (NX preferred)
- Experience designing, building, and/or operating electromechanical hardware (motors, sensors, linkages, gearboxes, solenoids, etc.)
- Basic programming skills in at least one language (python preferred)
- Comfort using common hand tools and interest in learning how to use machine tools to fabricate parts (e.g., drill press, lathe, mill, etc.)
- Pursuing a bachelor's or master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineer, or Electrical Engineering (or similar engineering degrees)
Preferred Skills And Experience
- Previous internship or co-op experience
- Previous experience on technical project teams (i.e. Rocket club, formula SAE, etc.)
Projects You May Work On
Intern projects will be tailored to company needs and student skillsets closer to the start date. Typical projects include full cycle (design, analysis, build, test, fly) ownership of :
- Flight mechanisms such as reaction wheels
- Microgravity pharmaceutical manufacturing payloads
- Hosted payloads such as heat shields, navigation systems, RF systems, etc.
- Custom test equipment or prototypes to develop all of the above
Compensation
- Hourly Rate: $33.00
- Housing stipend for interns relocating to the area
- Commuter benefit to support local transportation
Standard company text repeated across Varda Space's postings is omitted here.