Test Engineering Intern (Summer 2027)

About the Role

Muon Space is seeking a Test Engineering Intern for Summer 2027. This full-time, on-site internship will be based in San Jose, California, with dates ranging between May and September, depending on university schedules.

The Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) team is responsible for validating spacecraft hardware through unit acceptance testing and spacecraft-level integration testing. As a Test Engineering Intern, you will support the design, setup, and execution of tests for spacecraft subsystems, collaborating with engineers and technicians to develop test procedures, analyze data, and ensure satellite reliability. Interns at Muon receive direct mentorship and have the opportunity to make a real impact on programs within a dynamic startup environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and updating test processes for satellite-level and unit-level testing (e.g., thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI, functional testing).
• Update existing test stations to improve usability, streamline workflows, and increase testing efficiency.
• Support development of basic automation of lab test equipment used for hardware testing.
• Execute test plans under engineer supervision, including functional checkout, environmental stress testing, and troubleshooting.
• Collect and process test data, perform preliminary analysis, and generate summary reports.
• Support the integration of satellite hardware and ground support equipment in cleanroom and lab environments.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Aerospace, Systems, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals across multiple disciplines.
• Demonstrated proficiency in a programming or scripting language for hardware interfacing and data analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB/Simulink, Julia, C++).
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to approach complex, multi-disciplinary challenges from a first-principles perspective.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment.

Nice-to-have Skills

• Previous internship or co-op experience.
• Previous experience on technical project teams (e.g., Rocket club, CubeSat, Formula SAE, Solar Car).
• Knowledge of a specific satellite subsystem or domain (e.g., GNC, RF communications, power systems).
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL/HITL) testing or system integration.

Pay Range: Bachelor's students $40/hour, Master's $45/hour, PhD $50/hour.

ITAR/EAR Requirements

This position requires access to export controlled information. Applicants must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee), eligible to access export-controlled information without authorization, or eligible to obtain the required export authorization.