Development Test Engineering Intern (Summer 2027)

About the role

Impulse Space is hiring a Development Test Engineering Intern for Summer 2027, a 12-week program from May/June through August/September 2027. You will work on all aspects of development test equipment within a fast-paced, agile team building a high-performance spacecraft from a clean-sheet design. The internship is paid at $30 per hour.

Key responsibilities

• Design and build fluid, mechanical and electrical test systems supporting rocket propulsion, mechanisms, structural, environmental and spacecraft systems testing.
• Collaborate with teams across propulsion, vehicle, avionics, integration and manufacturing.
• Perform test setup, hardware inspections, checkouts and troubleshooting as needed.
• Run test operations aimed at rapidly developing hardware for spaceflight.

Required profile

• Recent completion or ongoing studies of a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to take project ownership and work well in a small team.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with fluid or mechanical systems.
• Willingness and ability to work on-site in Redondo Beach, CA or Mojave, CA for the duration of the internship.
• Eligibility for U.S. government space technology export regulations (ITAR): U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual or eligible to obtain the required authorizations.

Required skills

• Preferred: working knowledge of valves, regulators, sensors and power supplies, and hands-on skills in tube fabrication, metalworking and wiring.
• Preferred: prior experience with pneumatic, hydraulic, electromechanical or optomechanical test equipment.
• Preferred: prior experience in propulsion development and/or testing.

The role may require overtime hours, and interns are eligible for overtime pay. Compensation varies by role, level, location and market data, and additional benefits such as stock options, medical, vision and dental coverage and a 401(k) apply to full-time hires.