Propulsion Test Engineering Intern (Mojave - Summer 2027)

Impulse Space; Mojave (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 49,000; Part time

Job summary

Impulse Space in Mojave, CA is seeking a Propulsion Test Engineering Intern to work on propulsion test equipment and collaborate with a fast-paced agile team shaping high-performance spacecraft from a clean sheet design.

You will design and build test systems, conduct operations, perform setups and troubleshooting, and collaborate with teams in Mojave and Redondo Beach. A BS in Engineering or related field is expected for this role; on-site work required with overtime eligibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• Hands-on experience with fluid or mechanical systems.
• Ability to own projects and work in a small team.

Responsibilities

• Design and build fluid, mechanical and electrical test systems for propulsion.
• Conduct test operations to rapidly develop hardware for spaceflight.
• Perform test setup, inspections, checkouts and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with teams across the company, including Mojave and Redondo Beach.

Skills

Hands-on engineering

Team collaboration

Project ownership

Lab safety

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Pneumatic test equipment

Hydraulic test equipment

Fluid/mechanical test fabrication

Electrical test setups

Job description

Job Title

Propulsion Test Engineering Intern

Location

Mojave

Department

Internship

Compensation

Compensation: $30.00 / hour

Description

As a Propulsion Test Engineering Intern, you will work on all aspects of propulsion test equipment while working closely with a fast-paced, agile team that strives to make a high-performance spacecraft from a clean sheet design.

Responsibilities

• Design and build fluid, mechanical and electrical test systems in support of liquid rocket propulsion and spacecraft systems testing
• Conduct test operations geared toward rapidly developing hardware for spaceflight
• Perform test setup, hardware inspections, checkouts and troubleshooting as needed
• Collaborate with wide ranging teams across the company, including teams in Redondo Beach and Mojave.

Minimum Qualifications

• Recent completion or working towards Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science or related field
• Demonstrated ability to take project ownership and work well in a small team
• Demonstrated hands-on experience working with fluid or mechanical systems

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Working knowledge of components (valves, regulators, sensors, power supplies) and hands‑on skills (tube fabrication, metalworking, wiring)
• Prior experience working with pneumatic, hydraulic or electromechanical test equipment
• Prior experience in propulsion development and/or testing

Additional Requirements

• Willing and able to work on‑site in Mojave, CA for the duration of the internship
• This role may require overtime hours; interns are eligible for overtime pay.

Additional Information

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full‑time hires, you may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

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. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.