Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Internship - Spring 2027

The role

You will identify and mitigate physical, chemical, and operational hazards across spacecraft and pharmaceutical production processes. You will work on a collaborative team in a startup environment to ensure safe and effective operations.

What you will do

• Lead Job Hazard Analyses across engineering, manufacturing, and pharmaceutical operations
• Develop mitigation strategies and implement effective controls
• Drive safe handling of hazardous chemicals through HazCom and PPE programs
• Maintain environmental compliance regarding hazardous waste accumulation and disposal
• Conduct regular maintenance and inspection of safety systems and equipment
• Assist with emergency preparedness and response procedures

Required qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in occupational safety & health, environmental engineering/safety, or related field
• Strong analytical, communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently, in a fast-paced work environment

Nice to have

• Familiarity with local, state, and federal regulatory EHS standards (e.g., Cal/OSHA, Cal/EPA, RCRA, SCAQMD, DOT, CA Fire Code)
• Hands-on experience with conducting risk assessments and implementing safety control measures
• Prior EHS-related internship or project experience in an engineering or laboratory setting

Benefits

• Housing stipend for interns relocating to the area
• Commuter benefit to support local transportation
• Paid observed holidays
• 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents
• FSA and employer-matched HSA options
• $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
• Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents
• $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
• Up to $4,000 gross up in relocation support, if eligible
• Up to $850 commute credit through Lyft or car rental reimbursement, if eligible
• Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
• Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations

Before you apply

• Must be actively enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program
• Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) to access export-controlled items

About the company

Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. The company is headquartered in El Segundo, California.