Manufacturing (Systems) Engineering Intern Summer 2027

About the role

Stratolaunch accelerates the development of next-generation aerospace and defense technologies through reusable hypersonic flight testing. Our autonomous, air-launched Talon-A vehicles provide access to operationally realistic flight environments at speeds exceeding Mach 5, delivering critical data that helps customers validate system performance and advance technologies toward deployment. Our team brings together expertise in engineering, manufacturing, and flight operations to solve complex challenges and advance capabilities essential to national security.

Application window closes 11/7/26

This is a 10-12-week internship over the summer, based in Mojave, CA

Instructions for application

Please include a short presentation, paper, or summary of project you have worked on. Please be specific about your individual contribution to the project. We are looking for people who are passionate about aerospace and aviation. In your presentation, paper, or summary please also include why you wanted to work on the project and why it excites you. Any applications without this project document will not be considered.

We are seeking a detail-oriented Manufacturing Systems & Data Intern to support manufacturing data collection, reporting, and digital-system improvement projects. This intern will work with operations, engineering, quality, and IT teams to organize production data, create reports, and support improvements to manufacturing processes and systems.

Key Responsibilities

Data Collection & Management

• Gather production, quality, downtime, labor, inventory, and equipment data from manufacturing teams and existing systems.
• Collect, organize, and validate production, quality, downtime, and inventory data.
• Create basic reports, charts, and dashboards using Excel, Power BI, or similar tools.
• Help track manufacturing metrics such as output, scrap, downtime, cycle time, and quality performance.
• Assist with maintaining data files, reports, and documentation.
• Support the documentation of manufacturing workflows and data-collection processes.
• Help identify data gaps, reporting errors, and opportunities to improve data accuracy.
• Assist with user testing, documentation, and training materials for manufacturing software and digital tools.
• Work with production, engineering, quality, maintenance, and IT teams on assigned projects.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Data Analytics, Information Systems, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Strong attention to detail and interest in data, manufacturing, and process improvement.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Excel, including formulas, pivot tables, charts, and data organization.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Able to work independently and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Power BI, Tableau, SQL, Python, or similar reporting tools.
• Exposure to manufacturing metrics such as production output, scrap, downtime, cycle time, or OEE.
• Familiarity with ERP, MES, quality, inventory, or other manufacturing software is a plus.

What You'll Learn

• How manufacturing data is collected, analyzed, and used to improve operations.
• Practical reporting and dashboard-development skills.
• Exposure to manufacturing workflows, operational metrics, and digital manufacturing systems.
• Experience collaborating with operations, engineering, quality, maintenance, and IT teams.

Education & Experience

• Sophomore, Junior, or Senior going to Graduate School working on an engineering degree

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

• This position is located in Mojave, CA
• Relocation eligible to local area - Mojave, CA
• Living accommodations provided in the Antelope Valley
• 9/80 Schedule
• *Year = number of years completed (ex: year 3 means they have completed their junior year and are going into their senior year)
• Technical Interns
• Year 1-2: $33.00/hr
• Year 3-4: $38.00/hr ntern #LI-Onsite

Pay and benefits

Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews.

Benefits and our location(s)

• Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)
• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
• 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500
• Tuition reimbursement

• This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.
• Mojave Air & Spaceport is located just outside of Lancaster/Palmdale and is only 95 miles north of Los Angeles. The area offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California's best attractions and landmarks.

Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You're within a half day's drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight-seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers.

• Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices.
• Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state's best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce.
• Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke's in Lancaster.
• Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won't find anywhere else in the United States.

Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law: