Space Operations Engineering Intern (Summer 2027)

Impulse Space; Redondo Beach (CA); On-site; USD 3,582,000 - 4,684,000; Part time

Job summary

Impulse Space in Redondo Beach is offering a Space Operations Engineer Intern role to support real-world spacecraft missions by assisting with planning, development, and testing of mission operations. You’ll work with experienced engineers on simulations, test execution, and procedure development for near‑Earth and interplanetary missions.

This 12-week internship runs May/June to August/September 2027 and is on-site in Redondo Beach.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with scripting or programming (e.g., Python, C++, MATLAB).
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and testing operational procedures for spacecraft missions
• Support mission simulations and rehearsals using hardware- and software-in-the-loop environments
• Help create tools and scripts to automate operational tasks
• Collaborate with subsystem teams to gather inputs and refine operations plans
• Participate in reviews, test campaigns, and anomaly investigations as needed
• Contribute to documentation and mission readiness activities

Skills

Python

C++

MATLAB

Scripting

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in engineering/physics

Job description

Department: Internship

Location: Redondo Beach

Compensation: $30.00 / hour

Description

As a Space Operations Engineer Intern at Impulse Space, you'll support real-world spacecraft missions by assisting with the planning, development, and testing of mission operations. You’ll work closely with experienced engineers on a variety of tasks ranging from simulation support to test execution and procedure development. This internship offers hands‑on exposure to real‑time spacecraft operations and mission‑level engineering. and operations for ambitious near‑Earth and interplanetary missions.

• This internship is 12 weeks long from May/June through August/September 2027

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and testing operational procedures for spacecraft missions
• Support mission simulations and rehearsals using hardware- and software-in-the-loop environments
• Help create tools and scripts to automate operational tasks
• Collaborate with subsystem teams to gather inputs and refine operations plans
• Participate in reviews, test campaigns, and anomaly investigations as needed
• Contribute to documentation and mission readiness activities

Minimum Qualifications

• Recent completion or currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical field
• Familiarity with scripting or programming (e.g., Python, C++, MATLAB)
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Prior internship, research, or project experience related to aerospace or mission operations
• Exposure to systems engineering, GNC, avionics, or spacecraft autonomy concepts
• Experience working with test setups, simulations, or command/control tools

Additional Requirements

• Willing and able to work on-site in Redondo Beach, CA for the duration of the internship
• This position 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.