Spacecraft Test Engineering Intern (Summer 2027) Verified today
About the role
Summer internship, full-time and on-site in San Jose, California, ranging between May and September depending on university schedules.
The Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) team validates spacecraft hardware through unit acceptance testing and spacecraft-level integration testing. As a Test Engineering Intern, you will support the design, setup, and execution of tests for spacecraft subsystems. You will collaborate with engineers and technicians to develop test procedures, analyze data, and help ensure satellites operate reliably in space's extreme conditions.
Responsibilities
- Assist in developing and updating test processes for satellite-level and unit-level testing (thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI, functional testing, etc.)
- Update existing test stations to improve usability, streamline workflows, and increase testing efficiency
- Support development of basic automation of lab test equipment used for hardware testing
- Execute test plans under engineer supervision, including functional checkout, environmental stress testing, and troubleshooting
- Collect and process test data, perform preliminary analysis, and generate summary reports
- Support the integration of satellite hardware and ground support equipment in cleanroom and lab environments
Qualifications
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace, Systems, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field
- Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals across multiple disciplines (mechanical, electrical, software)
- Demonstrated proficiency in a programming or scripting language for hardware interfacing and data analysis (Python, MATLAB/Simulink, Julia, C++)
- Excellent problem-solving skills with ability to approach complex, multi-disciplinary challenges from a first-principles perspective
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment
Nice-to-have skills
- Previous internship or co-op experience
- Previous experience on technical project teams (Rocket club, CubeSat, Formula SAE, Solar Car)
- Knowledge of a specific satellite subsystem or domain, such as GNC, RF communications, or power systems
- Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL/HITL) testing or system integration
Pay
- Bachelor's students: $40/hour
- Master's students: $45/hour
- PhD: $50/hour
ITAR/EAR Requirements
This position requires access to export controlled information. Applicant must either be (A) a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee), (B) eligible to access export controlled information without required export authorization, or (C) eligible and reasonably likely to obtain required export authorization from the applicable U.S. government agency.