Propulsion Engineer Intern (Winter 2027)

Astranis; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 47,000; Part time

Job summary

Astranis, a leader in small satellite propulsion and communication, seeks a Propulsion Engineer Intern for Winter 2027. Interns work twelve weeks on challenging hardware/software problems and gain hands-on experience that has led past interns to full-time roles.

As a student in a technical BS program, you will design, build, and test propulsion components, collaborate across teams, and grow your engineering and teamwork skills while contributing to spaceflight projects.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a BS in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Understanding of spacecraft systems through coursework or clubs.
• Ability to design, build, and test hardware from scratch.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, build, and test propulsion hardware.
• Collaborate with other teams on propulsion and company initiatives.
• Apply academic knowledge to real-world space hardware projects.

Skills

Hardware design

Spacecraft systems understanding

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

BS in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or Physics

Tools

Python

Job description

Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity’s reach into the solar system. Today Astranis satellites provide dedicated, secure networks to highly-sophisticated customers across the globe – large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military.

With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch soon, the company is servicing a backlog of more than $1 billion of commercial contracts. Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent requirements for uptime, data security, network visibility, and customization.

Astranis has raised over $1.2 billion from some of the world’s best investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, Baillie Gifford, Blackrock, Fidelity, Franklin Templeton, and Snowpoint, and employs a team of 500 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA.

Propulsion Engineer Intern (Winter 2027)

Internships at Astranis typically last for twelve weeks, and are hourly roles designed for students who are currently enrolled at a four-year university.

As an Intern, you will have an amazing opportunity to work on hard problems — we pride ourselves on giving everyone at Astranis a chance to do meaningful work on complex projects, no matter their seniority. Many past interns have designed and tested hardware/software that is heading to space on our first satellite, and many of them are now full‑time employees at Astranis.

Role

• Make an impact on the Propulsion team by designing, analyzing, building, and testing propulsion system hardware
• Take on interdisciplinary projects with other teams to support Propulsion and company initiatives
• Learn how to apply your academic experience to real world situations and develop team skills to fuel you academic and professional careers

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a B.S. in a technical discipline (e.g. Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, Physics)
• Understanding of spacecraft systems and operation demonstrated through course work or student organizations
• Demonstrated ability to personally design, build, and test hardware from scratch

Bonus

• Familiarity with spacecraft design with a focus on chemical and/or electrical propulsion for spacecraft
• Experience with Python
• Test experience with spacecraft propulsion systems

The base pay for this position is $29.00 per hour.

U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required

(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3))

Our mission and products are built for everyone, regardless of gender, race, creed, or background. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we invite all people to join our team and bring their unique perspectives to make us stronger.

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