RF Engineer - Summer Internship 2027 Verified today

About Inversion Space

Inversion is an aerospace and defense company developing advanced reentry technology for next-generation space missions. Our maneuverable reentry spacecraft, Arc, is designed for rapid global cargo delivery, hypersonic testing, and national security missions requiring precise, controlled atmospheric flight.

The Role

As an RF Engineering Intern, you will support the verification, validation, integration, and performance characterization of flight and ground RF/telemetry systems for our reentry vehicles. You will work within the Avionics team on hands-on RF testing, antenna and GPS integration, communications system validation, and ground station compatibility efforts.

Your Responsibilities

• Perform component-, subsystem-, and system-level RF test and measurement using spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and power meters.
• Support over-the-air and antenna test activities, including range setup and validation.
• Support GPS testing and integration for the Arc vehicle.
• Support ground station compatibility testing, including potential travel to test sites.
• Test and evaluate in-house RF hardware, including SDR-based systems.
• Collect, process, and document RF test data; support generation of test reports.
• Assist with test automation and analysis tools using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.
• Work closely with RF engineers and cross-functional teams to build practical understanding of aerospace RF and telemetry systems.

Required Qualifications

• Enrolled in a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree program in engineering, physics, or math.
• GPA of 3.0 or above.
• 3 or more months of applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory, or personal/team project experience counts).
• Coursework or project experience in RF, antennas, electromagnetics, or communications systems.
• Strong problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills; ability to present technical results to multidisciplinary teams.

Desired Qualifications

• Hands-on familiarity with RF lab equipment such as spectrum analyzer or VNA.
• Experience with Altium, HFSS, or similar RF/PCB design tools.
• Completed an RF or antenna course.
• Experience designing a circuit board.
• Experience designing a simple microwave antenna or filter.
• Hands-on experience through Formula SAE, student rocketry, CubeSat, robotics, or similar engineering projects.
• Previous internship experience at a space, aerospace, or hardware startup.
• Experience with Python or MATLAB for test automation or data analysis.
• Experience with antenna test methods.
• Familiarity with S-band and L-band communication or telemetry systems.
• Familiarity with S-parameters and their use in evaluating RF component and system performance.

Location and Compensation

This position requires in-office presence at our headquarters in Playa Vista, California. California annual base hourly rate: $38-$41. Pay determined on a case-by-case basis based on interviews, skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, and internal equity.

ITAR Compliance

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.