Flight Software (C++) Internship - Summer 2026
Varda Space
El Segundo, California
Full-Time
$120
OfficeExecutive
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. Vardas W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses.
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.
Summer internships will range between the months of May and August. All dates dependent upon the university schedule of the selected students. Internships are full-time and on-site in Los Angeles, CA.
The flight software team is responsible for writing the embedded code that runs onboard Vardas spacecraft enabling autonomous control, data handling, and fault protection in space. In this role, you will help develop and test real-time C++ software running on flight computers, directly supporting systems like guidance, navigation, control, power management, and communications. Youll gain experience working close to the hardware, integrating with sensors, actuators, and avionics to ensure the vehicle performs reliably across all mission phases.
Internships at Varda are optimal for students looking to grow technically and professionally while working on impactful projects critical to the companys 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. Were dedicated to providing an experience that will let your decisions and contributions help drive Vardas success.
Design, implement, and debug embedded C++ software running on spacecraft systems
Work with hardware interfaces and component datasheets
Assist in systems integration and testing
Collaborate with avionics and systems teams to validate software behavior
Proficiency in C++
Strong understanding of computer architecture and operating systems
Experience working with embedded systems or microcontrollers (not limited to Arduino)
Familiarity with Linux environments
Ability to troubleshoot and debug low-level software issues
Hands-on experience with embedded development outside coursework
Previous internship or project team experience
Experience reading and utilizing component datasheets
Coursework in embedded systems, digital design, or electronics
Computer Architecture
Operating Systems
Software Engineering / Computer Science Fundamentals
Data Structures & Algorithms
(Bonus) Signals and Systems
(Bonus) Digital Design, Assembly, Embedded Systems, Electronics
Varda offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial wellbeing, and a highquality workplace experience. Below is an overview of what fulltime employees receive (at this time, interns receive a subset of benefits):
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. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our 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).
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
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.