Automation & Test Internship - Fall 2026

Automation & Test Internship - Fall 2026

Low Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules.

From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind.

Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.

Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.

Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.

About This Role

Fall internships will range between the months of August and December. 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.

Varda is looking for a hands-on Automation & Test Intern to support the design, build, and test of terrestrial hardware systems used in spacecraft and propulsion testing. This role offers a 50/50 split between lab work and desk engineering, ideal for candidates eager to apply their electrical and programming skills in a real-world aerospace environment.

Interns in this position will gain meaningful experience developing ground support equipment, including test racks, harnesses, and test chambers. You'll work closely with multidisciplinary teams to help bring spacecraft hardware from concept to test readiness.

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 the 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

• Support the development of electrical ground support equipment for propulsion test stands
• Assist in the testing and build-out of hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) racks and harnesses
• Design and assemble custom terrestrial hardware and test setups
• Support spacecraft testing operations, including thermal vacuum chamber systems
• Engage in hands-on build work as well as electrical/software integration and documentation

Basic Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering
• Proficiency in Python
• Experience with:
  • Building and testing electrical systems (racks, wiring, harnesses)
  • Hands-on work with mechanical/electrical tools
  • Basic programming for control or data acquisition systems
• Comfortable with a 50% lab / 50% desk work split
• Relevant coursework in electrical engineering and programming, with cross-functional exposure to mechanical and avionics systems

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Undergraduate or Master's level student
• Previous internship or lab research experience
• Involvement in hands-on project teams (e.g., SAE, rocketry, robotics)

Projects You May Work On

• Design, fabrication, and assembly of thermal vacuum chamber test equipment, including wiring, electronics, pumps, and fluid loops
• Development of custom tooling and hardware for spacecraft testing (e.g., weldments, machined parts)
• Integration of electrical ground support systems for full-vehicle propulsion test campaigns

Compensation

• Hourly Rate: $33.00
• Housing stipend for interns relocating to the area
• Commuter benefit to support local transportation