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

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. 

• →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

• 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 

• 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

“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.)

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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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.