Microsoft 365 / Security Administration Internship - Summer 2026

About Varda

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. 

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.

 

About This Role 

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.

As apart of Varda's Site Reliability Team you will support the security, reliability, and administration of Microsoft 365 services for a fast-paced and high-security environment. This role is ideal for students interested in cybersecurity, systems administration, or IT policy enforcement, with exposure to enterprise-level tools and practices.

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. 

Responsibilities

• Administer and configure Microsoft 365 services including Intune and Defender

• Develop and enforce Intune security policies and compliance rules

• Monitor and apply security patches, vulnerability remediations, and software updates

• Collaborate with IT and Security teams to ensure a secure and reliable environment

• Support network and system auditing efforts, including documentation

Basic Qualifications

• Coursework or knowledge in:

  • Computer Systems / System Security

  • Networking / Network Security

  • Cloud Computing (Azure, AWS, or GCP)

• Exposure to one or more of the following:

  • PowerShell scripting

  • Cybersecurity fundamentals

  • Microsoft Intune, Defender, or M365 administration

Preferred Skills And Experience 

• Prior experience in system or security administration (internship, research, or project)

• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 administration (including Defender, Intune)

• Experience with PowerShell scripting and automation

• Completion of coursework in cybersecurity or systems architecture

 

ITAR Requirements

• 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. At present, some of our technology to which employees have access requires a license to be exported to individuals other than “U.S. Persons” as defined in U.S. export regulations. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our current 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 as