RF Test Engineering Intern - Automation & Lab Bring-up

Impulse Space; Redondo Beach (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Impulse Space in Redondo Beach is seeking an RF Test Engineering Intern to support development, automation, and validation of RF test systems for spacecraft communications. The role emphasizes test automation, lab bring-up, and data-driven validation of RF hardware across prototype to production.

The internship runs 12 weeks from May/June through Aug/Sep 2027 and offers hands-on experience with RF hardware, scripting in Python, and cross-functional collaboration with RF, avionics, software, and

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline
• Hands-on experience in an electronics or RF lab environment
• Understanding of RF and microwave fundamentals (transmission lines, impedance matching, S-parameters, gain, noise figure, filtering)
• Familiarity with RF test equipment such as VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators
• Experience troubleshooting PCBs or embedded hardware at the board or system level
• Basic programming or scripting in Python, MATLAB, or similar languages

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain automated RF test scripts and validation tools using Python or similar scripting languages
• Support RF hardware bring-up, integration, characterization, and troubleshooting in laboratory environments
• Assist with development of automated test stations for RF components and subsystems including amplifiers, filters, LNAs, mixers, and transceivers
• Interface with RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, VNAs, signal generators, power meters, and oscilloscopes
• Execute RF validation and performance testing, collect data, and analyze results against system requirements
• Support design verification through test procedure development and documentation
• Collaborate cross-functionally with RF, avionics, software, and manufacturing teams to improve test workflows

Skills

RF test automation

Python scripting

Lab automation

Data analysis

Electronics troubleshooting

Technical collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical/Computer Engineering or Physics

Tools

VNAs

Spectrum analyzers

Oscilloscopes

SCPI/PyVISA

Job description

Impulse Space in Redondo Beach is seeking an RF Test Engineering Intern to support development, automation, and validation of RF test systems for spacecraft communications. The role emphasizes test automation, lab bring-up, and data-driven validation of RF hardware across prototype to production.

The internship runs 12 weeks from May/June through Aug/Sep 2027 and offers hands-on experience with RF hardware, scripting in Python, and cross-functional collaboration with RF, avionics, software, and