About This Roleย
Fall internships will range between the months of August and December.ย 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.ย
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.ย
Responsibilities
- Own or contribute to hardware or software designย toย support development of Spacecraft or payloadย
- Create or support test campaignsย and buildย test standsย
- Perform necessary analysis to support development and testingย
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)ย
Preferred Skills And Experienceย
- Previous internship or co-op experienceย
- Previous experience on technical project teams (i.e.ย Rocket club, formula SAE, etc.)ย
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