Propulsion and Fluids Intern

True Anomaly, Inc.; Long Beach, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

True Anomaly, Inc. is seeking highly motivated Propulsion and Fluids Test Interns to support spacecraft propulsion and fluid systems test operations.

This internship offers hands‑on experience with rocket propulsion testing, fluid systems, test instrumentation, and data analysis in a fast-paced startup environment. You will gain exposure to the full test lifecycle from planning through execution and data analysis, contributing to mission-critical spacecraft hardware development.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program in aerospace, mechanical, chemical engineering or related technical discipline.
• Coursework in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or propulsion systems preferred.
• Basic understanding of engineering principles, test methods, and data analysis.
• Willingness to work hands-on in a test facility environment including PPE and outdoors.
• U.S. Citizenship required due to government contracts.
• Must be able to work full time (40 hours/week), on-site in Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA until December 2026.

Responsibilities

• Assist test engineers with test setup, instrumentation installation, and hardware integration for propulsion and fluids test campaigns.
• Support propulsion test operations including pressure, leak, flow, and functional tests under engineer supervision.
• Assist with data acquisition system setup, sensor calibration, and test instrumentation checkout.
• Collect and preliminarily analyze test data (pressure, temperature, flow, performance).
• Help develop test procedures, instructions, and test documentation under engineer guidance.
• Support assembly and configuration of ground support equipment, fixtures, and fluid systems hardware.
• Assist with post-test inspections, anomaly documentation, and test report generation.
• Participate in test readiness reviews, safety briefings, and cross-functional meetings.
• Support maintenance of test equipment, tooling inventory, and site cleanliness.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Fluid mechanics

Propulsion systems

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Safety procedures

Education

B.Sc./M.Sc. in aerospace/mechanical/chemical engineering

Coursework in propulsion or related topics

Tools

MATLAB

Python

LabVIEW

Excel

Job description

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.

OUR MISSION

True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors — enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.

OUR VALUES

• Be the offset.We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.
• What would it take?We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.
• It’s the people.Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.

YOUR MISSION

We areseekinghighly motivated Propulsion and Fluids Test Interns to support spacecraftpropulsionand fluid systems test operations. As an intern, you will work alongside propulsion test engineers, fluids engineers, and test technicians to support the execution of test campaigns for propulsion hardware and fluid systems. This internship offers hands‑on experience with rocket propulsion testing, fluid systems, test instrumentation, and data analysis in a fast-paced startup environment. You will gain exposure to the full test lifecycle from planning through execution and data analysis, contributing to mission-critical spacecraft hardware development.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist test engineers with test setup, instrumentation installation, and hardware integration in preparation for propulsion and fluids test campaigns.
• Support execution of propulsion test operations including pressure testing, leak testing, flow testing, and functional performance tests under the supervision of test engineers.
• Assist with data acquisition system setup, sensor calibration, and test instrumentation checkout.
• Collect, organize, and perform preliminary analysis of test data including pressure, temperature, flow, and performance measurements.
• Help develop test procedures, work instructions, and test documentation under engineer guidance.
• Support assembly and configuration of ground support equipment, test fixtures, and fluid systems hardware.
• Assist with post-test hardware inspections, anomaly documentation, and test report generation.
• Participate in test readiness reviews, safety briefings, and cross‑functional team meetings.
• Support maintenance of test equipment, tooling inventory, and test site cleanliness and organization.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree program in aerospace, mechanical, chemical engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Completed coursework in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or propulsion systems (preferred but not required ).
• Basic understanding of engineering principles, test methods, and data analysis.
• Ability to work safely around test equipment and follow safety procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written procedures.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Willingness to work hands‑on in a test facility environment including wearing PPE and working outdoors.
• U.S. Citizenship required due to government contracts.
• Must be able to work full time (40 hours per week), on‑site in Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA until December 2026.
  
  • Fall Intern Program will run September - December 2026
• Must be able to provide own transportation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Junior or Senior undergraduate student, or graduate student in aerospace, mechanical, or chemical engineering.
• Coursework or project experience in propulsion systems, rocket engines, or fluid dynamics.
• Experience with data analysis tools (MATLAB, Python, Excel) or data acquisition software (LabVIEW).
• Hands‑on experience through student projects, competitions (AIAA, rocketry clubs), or previous internships.
• Familiarity with CAD software, engineering drawings, or P&ID diagrams.
• Knowledge of pressure systems, fluid flow, or thermodynamic cycles.
• Experience with instrumentation (pressure transducers, thermocouples, flow meters) through lab courses or projects.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and eagerness to learn in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to commit to a full‑time internship (40 hours/week) for the duration of the program (typically 10‑12 weeks for summer, longer for fall/spring co‑ops).

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN

• Hands‑on experience with spacecraft propulsion testing and fluid systems in a real operational environment.
• Exposure to the full test lifecycle from planning and setup through execution and data analysis.
• Mentorship from experienced propulsion and test engineers working on cutting‑edge space technology.
• Practical experience with test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and ground support equipment.
• Opportunity to contribute to mission‑critical hardware development for national security space missions.
• Experience working in a fast‑paced startup environment with significant responsibility and ownership.
• Networking opportunities within the aerospace and defense industry.
• Potential for full‑time employment upon graduation based on performance and business needs.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Hourly Rate: $28-$32 per hour

Compensation will becommensuratewith education level and relevant experience. This internship may be eligible for relocationassistanceor housing stipend depending on location and program duration.

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

True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us.

The person hired will have access to information and items controlled by the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR).

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the ITAR, you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (i.e., current Green Card holder), lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.Are you currently a U.S. Person as described above, or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorization? * Select...

If other, please provide details as it relates to ITAR eligibility. Answer N/A if not applicable. *

Do you need, or will you need in the future, any immigration related support or sponsorship from True Anomaly in order to begin or continue employment with True Anomaly? This includes support (such as J-1, F-1, CPT letter or STEM OPT Training Plan), visa sponsorship for employment (H-1B, H-1B1, E-1, O-1, or TN), and any EAD holders that will need longer term employment authorization (temporary work visa or permanent residency). * Select...