Automation & Test Internship - Fall 2026

Join vardaspace as an Automation & Test Intern for the Fall 2026 semester. This exciting opportunity offers you the chance to work alongside experienced professionals in a dynamic environment, where you will assist in developing and executing automated tests, as well as contribute to enhancing our testing frameworks.

Join vardaspace as a Mission Operations Intern for Fall 2026, where you will have the opportunity to engage in groundbreaking space operations and contribute to missions that truly matter. This internship is designed for aspiring professionals who are eager to learn and grow in a fast-paced environment.

Join vardaspace as a Mission Software Intern this Fall 2026! This is a unique opportunity for aspiring software developers to gain hands-on experience in Python programming while contributing to meaningful projects. You will work closely with experienced professionals, engage in real-world applications, and enhance your coding skills in a collaborative environment.

Join VardaSpace as a Mechanical Engineering Intern for Fall 2026 and immerse yourself in a pioneering company at the forefront of space manufacturing. This internship presents a unique opportunity to work alongside seasoned engineers on cutting-edge projects that aim to revolutionize space technology.

About VardaLow Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is at the forefront of developing commercial space infrastructure, facilitating everything from in-orbit pharmaceutical manufacturing to economical reentry capsules.We create life-saving pharmaceuticals and advanced fiber optics that can only be produced in space. By pioneering innovation in the orbital economy, Varda is establishing both the products and infrastructure needed for space to directly enhance life on Earth. Our mission is to extend the economic boundaries of humanity.Our talented team, composed of industry veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical firms, and Silicon Valley, is uniquely positioned to achieve this ambitious goal. Varda was established in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov, with considerable support from top-tier investors such as Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.Headquartered in El Segundo, California, Varda operates from a state-of-the-art production facility where we design, integrate, and test our vehicles, equipment, and materials. In addition, we maintain offices in Washington, DC, and Huntsville, AL.Join us at Varda and contribute to building a vibrant in-space ecosystem.About This RoleFall internships will take place between August and December. All dates depend on the university schedule of selected candidates. Internships are full-time and on-site.

Join Vardaspace as a Vehicle Integration & Test Intern for the Fall 2026 semester! This exciting opportunity allows you to gain hands-on experience in the dynamic field of vehicle systems integration and testing. Collaborate with a team of experts, contribute to innovative projects, and enhance your skills in a fast-paced environment.

Join Varda Space Industries as a Mechanisms and Payload Intern for the Fall 2026 session. This unique opportunity allows you to work on cutting-edge aerospace technology, contributing to the development of innovative space solutions. You will collaborate with our dynamic engineering team, engaging in hands-on projects that advance our mission to revolutionize space manufacturing.

Join Varda Space Industries as a Manufacturing Engineering Intern for the Fall 2026 semester! This exciting opportunity allows you to work alongside industry professionals in a dynamic environment focused on space manufacturing technologies. You will gain hands-on experience, contribute to innovative projects, and enhance your engineering skills while working on real-world challenges in the aerospace sector.

Join VardaSpace as a Supply Chain Intern for Fall 2026! This is an exciting opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in the dynamic field of supply chain management. You will work closely with our experienced team to support various supply chain processes, from procurement to logistics.This internship provides a unique chance to apply your academic knowledge in a real-world setting, contribute to innovative projects, and develop valuable skills in the aerospace industry.

Join Varda Space Industries as a Propulsion Engineering Intern for the Fall 2026 semester. This exciting internship opportunity will immerse you in the cutting-edge field of propulsion systems, where you will collaborate with a team of experienced engineers and contribute to innovative projects that are pushing the boundaries of space technology.

Join Varda Space as an Aerodynamics & Analysis Intern for Fall 2026 and immerse yourself in a cutting-edge aerospace environment. You will collaborate with a dynamic team of engineers and scientists, contributing to vital projects that push the boundaries of aerodynamics research.

Join vardaspace as a Guidance, Navigation & Controls (GNC) Intern for the Fall 2026 semester! This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the aerospace industry, working alongside seasoned professionals on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of space exploration. You will gain hands-on experience, contribute to innovative solutions, and develop your skills in a collaborative environment.

Join Matter Intelligence as a Test Engineer and be a pivotal part of our innovative team. In this role, you will engage in designing, implementing, and executing test plans to ensure the highest quality of our products. Your expertise will contribute to enhancing our systems and improving user experiences.

Director of Test EngineeringRadiant Industries, located in El Segundo, CA, is a pioneering startup focused on developing the world's first mass-produced, portable nuclear microreactors. Our flagship reactor, Kaleidos, features a 1-megawatt failsafe design that can be deployed anywhere power is required, functioning for up to five years without refueling. Our innovative portable nuclear power solutions aim to replace traditional diesel generators, offering vital support for healthcare facilities, data centers, remote locations, and military installations. By leveraging modern software engineering techniques, Radiant is committed to creating safe, factory-built microreactors utilizing existing, reliable materials. Founded in 2020, we are poised to test our inaugural reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory next year, with first customer deliveries anticipated in 2028.Position OverviewWe are looking for a dynamic and experienced Director of Test Engineering to take charge of the design, construction, and implementation of our developmental and qualification test programs aimed at validating our reactor systems and components. This hands-on leadership role involves establishing a dedicated service organization focused on designing test setups, developing instrumentation and data acquisition systems, executing test campaigns, and providing high-quality data and reports to our engineering teams.In this role, you will be pivotal in establishing standardized methods, tools, and infrastructure to enable Radiant to test hardware at the speed required by our development timeline. The testing organization will serve as an internal resource for design engineering teams, ensuring responsiveness and ease of collaboration.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the comprehensive execution of developmental, qualification, and acceptance test campaigns for reactor components and subsystems.Design and construct test setups, ranging from simple bench-level fixtures to intricate thermal-hydraulic loop rigs.Develop and uphold test plans and procedures that outline objectives, instrumentation requirements, success criteria, data deliverables, and safety controls.Oversee test campaigns, including hands-on operation of test equipment and management of technicians.Provide data packages and test reports to engineering teams with the quality and traceability necessary for design decisions and regulatory compliance.Design and implement instrumentation systems, including sensor selection, signal conditioning, DAQ hardware configuration, and wiring.

Join our dynamic team at Sonsoft Inc. as a Performance Testing Engineer! We are seeking a skilled professional proficient in performance testing tools, particularly Apache JMeter. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and executing performance test plans, analyzing results, and providing actionable insights to enhance system performance.Your expertise in test management tools, especially HP ALM, will be essential in ensuring quality and efficiency throughout the testing lifecycle. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a collaborative environment where innovation and excellence are valued.

The ESS Test and Evaluation Engineer role at Ensco, Inc. offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the field of engineering in a dynamic and innovative environment. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and executing test plans, ensuring that all systems meet rigorous quality standards. Your expertise in testing methodologies will be essential in evaluating system performance and identifying necessary improvements.

vardaspace is hiring an Environmental Test Lab Manager to lead daily operations at its El Segundo, California facility. The role involves upholding rigorous standards in environmental testing and ensuring the lab remains a safe, compliant workplace. Main responsibilities Direct all functions of the environmental test lab, from scheduling to workflow management Supervise and support lab staff, providing guidance and oversight Monitor and enforce compliance with relevant regulatory requirements Foster a safety-first culture and encourage ongoing improvements in lab processes Location This role is onsite in El Segundo, California, United States.

We are looking for a skilled Hardware Test Engineer to join our dynamic team at usm2. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals who are passionate about testing and verifying hardware systems. You will be responsible for developing and executing test plans, troubleshooting hardware issues, and ensuring product quality meets the highest standards.

Varda Space is developing new ways to manufacture critical products in low Earth orbit, with a focus on pharmaceuticals and advanced fiber optics. The company designs and builds reentry capsules that aim to make space-based production more cost-effective, so that benefits reach people on Earth. The team includes professionals with backgrounds at SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies, and top Silicon Valley tech firms. Varda was founded in 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov, and is backed by investors such as Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital. Headquartered in El Segundo, California, Varda operates a production facility dedicated to designing, integrating, and testing vehicles, tools, and materials. The company also maintains offices in Washington, DC, and Huntsville, Alabama. Varda’s mission centers on building the infrastructure and products that link space manufacturing to practical outcomes on Earth.

Senior Automation & Controls EngineerJoin Radiant Industries as a Senior Automation and Controls Engineer, where your expertise will be instrumental in collaborating with our design and manufacturing teams. You will be responsible for the design, construction, and implementation of automated production and testing equipment crucial for the mass production and refueling of our innovative microreactor technology.Key Responsibilities:Lead the design, development, and execution of automation projects, including ideation of equipment, machine commissioning, and conducting quality and reliability studies before transitioning projects to operational teams.Develop, write, and troubleshoot PLC code focused on creating organized, structured, and maintainable code suitable for high-volume manufacturing environments.Ensure factory safety and reliability by implementing ANSI/RIA R15.06 and OSHA compliant systems for robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment.Design electrical systems that adhere to NEC, NFPA, and UL508A standards.Select and size electrical and electromechanical components, including servo motors and controllers.Oversee the assembly of electrical cabinets, field wiring, as well as pneumatic and fluid plumbing.Create user-friendly HMI screens that simplify the operation and troubleshooting of complex machinery.Required Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or Computer Science from an accredited institution.A minimum of 4 years of experience in designing and commissioning automation and controls systems for industrial applications.Preferred Qualifications:Master’s degree in an engineering discipline.Experience in process integration and electromechanical/mechatronic systems.Familiarity with various robotic welding applications (Kuka, ABB & Fanuc).Proficiency in robot and PLC simulation.Experience with electrical schematic CAD software such as Zuken E3.Knowledge of programming languages such as C#, .NET, Python, and/or SQL.Experience in PLC programming, preferably with Beckhoff TwinCat 3.