Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Internship – Summer 2027 Verified today
About Varda
Varda is accelerating commercial space infrastructure development, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable reentry capsules. Varda designs, builds, and operates its W-Series vehicles in-house, including pharmaceutical processing payloads, capsules, C-PICA heat shields, and satellite buses. The company is headquartered in El Segundo, California, with additional offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.
About This Role
Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) ensures all operations at Varda are performed safely and effectively without harming the environment. The EHS team proactively identifies and mitigates physical, chemical, operational, and other hazards across spacecraft and pharmaceutical development and production processes.
This internship offers the opportunity to grow technically and professionally while working on projects critical to the company's success. You will collaborate with experienced aerospace professionals in a startup environment.
Responsibilities
- Lead Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) across engineering, manufacturing, and pharmaceutical operations to identify risks, develop mitigation strategies, and collaborate with teams to implement effective controls.
- Drive safe handling of hazardous chemicals through Hazard Communication (HazCom) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) programs.
- Maintain environmental compliance by guiding departments in proper accumulation and disposal of hazardous waste.
- Conduct regular maintenance and inspection of safety systems and equipment, including emergency eyewashes and showers, fire extinguishers, fire alarm and suppression systems.
- Assist with emergency preparedness and response procedures, including site emergency action plan, emergency drills, and first aid/CPR/AED training.
Basic 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.
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with local, state, and federal regulatory EHS standards (Cal/OSHA, Cal/EPA, RCRA, SCAQMD, DOT, CA Fire Code).
- Hands-on experience conducting risk assessments and implementing safety control measures.
- Prior EHS-related internship or project experience in an engineering or laboratory setting.
Employment Details
- Full-time, on-site role based in El Segundo, CA.
- Summer 2027 internship.
- US person required for access to export-controlled items (ITAR compliance).