External Job · via Greenhouse

Guidance, Navigation and Controls (GNC) Internship - Fall 2026

vardaspaceEl Segundo, CA

💰 $22 – $28/hrInternship

Quick Summary

Fall 2026 full-time internship for undergraduate or graduate students to support guidance, navigation, and controls design and analysis for Varda's reentry vehicles.

Skills & Keywords

Guidance Navigation ControlsTrajectory optimization6DOF simulationReentry vehicle

Responsibilities

As part of the GNC team, own or contribute to analysis, algorithms and simulations for reentry vehicles
Own Integration and testing of GNC sensors, actuators and software in simulation and hardware in the loop environments
Design and implement mission critical tooling needed to facilitate automated maneuver responsibility and scheduling decisions
Design and implementation of autonomous satellite attitude control, collision avoidance, orbital rendezvous, burn planning and atmospheric re-entry algorithms
Perform trajectory design, optimization, and dispersion analysis for the reentry of a space capsule

Required Qualifications

Previous GNC internship
Familiar with orbital mechanics, flight dynamics, trajectory design and optimization, feedback controls, 6DOF flight simulations, navigation solutions, guidance navigation and controls flight algorithms, monte carlo analysis,
Familiarity with C++ or python and modern software development principles

Nice to Have

At least one year of experience on a technical project team (e.g., CubeSat, Rocket Team, AIAA Design-Build-Fly, Formula SAE)
Previous experience working on simulation support tools or GNC tooling for aerospace vehicles
Familiarity with Monte Carlo analysis, navigation filters, sensor/actuator integration, or HIL simulation environments
Experience with tools like GMAT, POST2, MATLAB/Simulink, or custom orbital simulation frameworks
Strong communication and documentation skills

Compensation & Benefits

Total rewards package

Benefits included

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k)

Stock & Equity

Parental Leave

Paid Vacation

Transportation

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 GNC (Guidance, Navigation & Controls) team is responsible for the design, analysis, simulation, and operational performance of Varda’s reentry vehicles. In this internship, you'll help enable end-to-end GNC performance for our flight vehicles—supporting everything from 6DOF simulation and control system modeling to sensor integration and trajectory optimization.

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.

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.

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