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Internship Programming Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Inceptive

Internship

Palo Alto, CA

$108K/yr

Inceptive is a start-up of 40+ AI researchers, biologists, and engineers on a mission to apply ... Compensation for this internship will be based on an annual salary of $108,000

Inceptive

Internship

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$108K/yr

Inceptive is a start-up of 40+ AI researchers, biologists, and engineers on a mission to apply ... Compensation for this internship will be based on an annual salary of $108,000 What we offer * A ...

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All JobsProgramming JobsInternship Programming JobsInternship Programming Jobs in California

Internship Programming information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$38

How much do internship programming jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship programming in California is $25.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $28.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Internship Programming, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Programming Intern, you need a solid understanding of programming fundamentals, problem-solving abilities, and relevant coursework in computer science or software engineering. Familiarity with languages like Python, Java, or C++, and experience using version control systems such as Git, are commonly required; knowledge of popular development environments and collaboration tools is also helpful. Strong communication, eagerness to learn, and teamwork skills help interns integrate effectively and contribute to projects. These skills and qualities are vital for adapting to real-world software development environments and delivering meaningful contributions during the internship.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on during a programming internship?

As a programming intern, you'll often be involved in supporting real software development projects, which may include tasks like debugging code, writing unit tests, developing new features, or assisting with documentation. Depending on the team and company, you might collaborate with experienced developers on agile teams, participate in code reviews, and learn to use industry-standard tools for version control and project management. These hands-on experiences are designed to help you build practical coding skills while contributing to meaningful projects. Interns are also encouraged to ask questions and seek mentorship, making the internship a valuable learning and networking opportunity.

What is the difference between Internship Programming vs Software Developer?

AspectInternship ProgrammingSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed a degree in computer science or related fieldBachelor's degree or higher in computer science or related field, often with professional experience
Work EnvironmentTemporary, entry-level, often part-time or summer roles in tech companies or organizationsFull-time, permanent roles in various industries, including tech firms, startups, and corporations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies to train and evaluate potential future employees; common in tech and software firms

In summary, Internship Programming is an entry-level, temporary position designed for students or recent graduates to gain experience, while a Software Developer is a full-time professional role requiring more experience and responsibility. Internships serve as a stepping stone toward a career as a Software Developer.

What is an internship in programming?

An internship in programming is a temporary position that allows students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in software development or coding. Interns typically work under the supervision of experienced programmers, contributing to real projects while learning about industry tools, coding practices, and team collaboration. These internships help individuals build practical skills, expand their professional network, and improve their chances of securing a full-time job in technology. Many internships also offer mentorship and training opportunities to help interns grow.
What are the most commonly searched types of Programming jobs in California? The most popular types of Programming jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Internship Programming jobs? Cities in California with the most Internship Programming job openings:
Internship Programming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Programming job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,174 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Propulsion Engineering Internship - Fall 2026

Varda Space Industries

El Segundo, CA

$33/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

About Varda
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.
The propulsion team is responsible for fluid systems on the vehicle required to complete spacecraft orbital maneuvers and earth reentry. This includes thrusters for primary maneuvers and attitude control, propellant tanks, and all associated plumbing and fluid components on the spacecraft. This system is completely designed, analyzed, fabricated, and tested in house which enables successful candidates exposure across all aspects of the design and manufacturing lifecycle of a space vehicle system.
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
  • Must have completed some Engineering coursework relevant to Propulsion, including but not limited to:
    • At least one of:
      • Fluid Mechanics
      • Thermodynamics
      • Heat Transfer
      • Compressible Flow
      • Combustion
  • 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)
  • Familiarity with engineering design software and principles (NX/Teamcenter, GD&T, Matlab/Python, and analysis packages)
  • Strong fundamentals in fluids engineering
  • Prior hands-on experience building or testing fluid systems
  • Familiarity with safe operation of combustion devices, rocket propellants, and pressurized systems
  • Familiarity or exposure to high precision manufacturing environments
Preferred Skills And Experience
  • Previous internship or co-op experience
  • Previous experience on technical project teams (i.e. Rocket club, formula SAE, etc.)
  • Completion of a Propulsion or Rocket Propulsion survey course
Projects You May Work On
Intern projects will be tailored to company needs and student skillsets closer to the start date. Typical projects include:
  • Hotfire test facility propellant system design
  • Component test bench design
  • Automated data reduction software
  • Valve qualification test program development and execution
  • Bus Ground Fluids Equipment design
Compensation
  • Hourly Rate: $33.00
  • Housing stipend for interns relocating to the area
  • Commuter benefit to support local transportation

ITAR Requirements
  • 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.
Benefits
  • Exciting team of professionals at the top of their field working by your side
  • Equity in a fully funded space startup with potential for significant growth (interns excluded)
  • 401(k) matching (interns excluded)
  • Unlimited PTO (interns excluded)
  • Health insurance, including Vision and Dental
  • Lunch and snacks provided on site every day. Dinners provided twice a week.
  • Maternity / Paternity leave (interns excluded)

Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
E-Verify Statement
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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