Electrical Engineering Internship (Path to Full Time Hire)

Space Kinetic; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Space Kinetic is seeking an Electrical Engineer Intern in El Segundo, CA, to assist with design, assembly, troubleshooting and testing of innovative electrical and mechanical systems. You will work closely with senior engineers on circuit and system design, using industry tools, and contribute to prototype testing and integration efforts.

The role emphasizes hands-on learning, ownership, and a path to potential full-time opportunities within Space Kinetic’s mission-driven space programs.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering and graduating soon.
• Experience working with electrical systems and hands-on design.
• Analytical problem solving and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in design, assembly, troubleshooting and repair of electrical/mechanical systems.
• Collaborate with senior engineers on circuit/system design and analysis using standard tools.
• Participate in prototype testing and system integration tasks including sensors, data acquisition, motor drivers and computers.

Skills

Electrical Engineering

Hands-on design

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Written communication

Education

Pursuing Electrical Engineering degree

Recent graduate

Tools

Altium

LTspice

Matlab

Job description

A New Paradigm For Space Operations.

Who We Are:

Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations - one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attritable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem’s reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo, we are focused on creating something entirely different - an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head-on. Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures - where each satellite in a constellation has one (or a small # of) primary payloads attached to the bus - and unlock a ‘one-to-many’ system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster.

This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40-hour work week. Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first-of-its-kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space

Our Intern Program:

Space Kinetic’s internship program is designed to identify top early-career talent for potential full-time roles. Over the three-month program, interns are paired with a mentor, assigned one to three meaningful projects, and provide monthly progress updates to the Leadership team.

Interns who demonstrate strong performance, ownership, and alignment with Space Kinetic’s mission may receive a full-time offer upon successful completion of the internship.

What You’ll Do:

Interns acquire hands-on learning experience while working on meaningful projects to gain significant career experience. At Space Kinetic, we provide the tools, training and mentorship for interns to do their very best work and discover opportunities to advance their careers, providing a pathway for personal growth.

As an Electrical Engineer Intern, this role will include a combination of design and hands-on activities to support the development, design, assembly, troubleshooting, and repair of innovative electrical and mechanical systems. The intern will work closely with senior electrical and mechanical designers and have an opportunity to participate in circuit and system design and analysis using industry standard design and modelling tools. As designs are fabricated, the intern will participate in troubleshooting and testing of the prototype equipment and contribute to system integration tasks including interconnecting sensors, data acquisition systems, motor drivers, and computers. Candidates should possess strong engineering fundamentals and have a passion for both hands-on design and analysis. The Intern will be working with Space Kinetic engineers on site, supporting testing of prototypes, collecting data, and providing reports to the engineering team.

What It Takes:

• Currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering at an accredited college or university and graduating within the next semester or have recently graduated
• Experience working with electrical systems
• Passion for design, manufacturing, and testing of space systems and/or mechanisms.
• Analytical, problem-solving, and electrical skills are required
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, self-driven, rapidly growing entrepreneurial workplace
• Ability to work with minimal direction or support and to learn quickly; strong analytical skills; creative and innovative thinking; detail-oriented; commitment to follow-through; enthusiastic with a talent for motivating others; receptive to criticism and open to others’ ideas; and effective in written communication.
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder).
• Ability to maintain or obtain Government Security Clearance.

What We’d Love:

• Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with the use of electrical test tools such as multimeters and oscilloscopes as well as familiarity with wiring, soldering and crimping.
• Prior experience with spacecraft design
• Experience working on a launch vehicle or satellite development effort
• Familiarity with modelling and design software such as Altium, LTspice, and Matlab
• Experience in a startup or agile development environment
• Passion for the commercial and government space industry
• Passion for spacecraft or launch vehicle system development

Where You’ll Be:

• The position is onsite in El Segundo, CA.

ITAR Requirements:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITARhere

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

The annual base salary for this role is below. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education/experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.

Pay Range

$20-$30 USD