Engineering Intern - Space and Missile Defense

Wardstone; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Direct mentorship from founders and engineers

Exposure to full engineering lifecycle

Competitive compensation for interns

Job summary

A space defense tech startup is seeking engineering interns to work on cutting-edge projects related to missile defense systems. Interns will engage in physics-based simulations, hardware testing, and collaborate directly with founders and engineers. Candidates should be pursuing relevant degrees and possess skills in MATLAB or Python. The role offers competitive compensation and valuable experience at the national security level.

Qualifications

• Seeking candidates pursuing degrees in engineering, physics, or related fields.
• Must have experience in MATLAB or Python for modeling and data analytics.
• Must be a US citizen.

Responsibilities

• Work on physics-based simulations and modeling.
• Engage in hardware prototyping and testing.
• Analyze data from test campaigns.
• Participate in system-level trade studies and design reviews.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

Curiosity

Self-directed

Education

Currently pursuing a degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical field

Job description

Wardstone is a space defense‑tech startup building next‑generation systems to protect the United States and its allies from advanced missile threats. We design, build, and test both ground and space‑based hardware.

We’re looking for engineering interns from top schools who want to work on real‑world systems from concept to testing.

What You’ll Work On

• Physics‑based simulation and modeling (orbital mechanics, intercept dynamics, guidance & control)
• Hardware prototyping and testing (mechanical, electrical, propulsion, sensing)
• Embedded software, controls, or autonomy
• Sensor systems (IR / EO), perception, and tracking
• Data analysis from test campaigns
• System‑level trade studies and design reviews

Interns are treated as engineers. Your work will directly with founders and full‑time engineers, influence flight hardware, simulations, and participate in field tests.

Who We’re Looking For

• Currently pursuing a degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical field (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Robotics, Computer Science, Physics)
• Demonstrated delivery on previous extracurricular engineering projectsCurious, self‑directed, and motivated by real‑world impact
• MATLAB or Python for modeling and data analytics
• US CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED

Bonus Points For Experience With

• Controls, GNC, or orbital mechanics
• Embedded systems or hardware bring‑up
• IR sensors, computer vision, or signal processing
• Hands‑on lab, shop, or field testing experience

Why Wardstone

• Work on problems that matter at the national security level
• Direct mentorship from founders and full‑time engineers
• Exposure to the full engineering lifecycle from concept to testing
• Fast pace, high ownership, minimal bureaucracy
• Competitive compensation for interns