Thermal Engineering Internship - Summer 2026

The Thermal Engineering Internship at Varda involves working on vehicle thermal analysis models to predict temperatures for tests and missions, with opportunities to run tests, create data processing tools, and design thermal hardware for flight vehicles.

• Support thermal vacuum (TVAC) test campaigns including setup, execution, and data collection
• Assist in developing thermal models for spacecraft components and systems using tools like Thermal Desktop, Ansys, or Star CCM
• Analyze flight and ground test thermal data using Python and MATLAB
• Participate in the design and development of thermal hardware (e.g., MLI blankets, heat straps, thermal interfaces)
• Support integration and test (I&T) activities related to thermal components and subsystems
• Collaborate with systems and mechanical teams to ensure thermal requirements are met

• Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering discipline
• Completed coursework in Heat Transfer, Thermodynamics, and Fluid Mechanics
• Experience or coursework using thermal analysis software (e.g., Thermal Desktop, Ansys, Star CCM)
• Proficiency in CAD tools (NX, AutoCAD, PTC, or similar)
• Comfortable with data analysis in MATLAB and Python
• Prior internship or project experience in thermal engineering is preferred
• Familiarity with spacecraft testing environments or aerospace systems