Spacecraft Test Engineering Intern (Summer 2027)

About the role

Summer internships will range between the months of May and September depending on university schedules. Internship is full-time and on-site in San Jose, California.

The Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) team at Muon is responsible for validation of spacecraft hardware through unit acceptance testing as well as spacecraft level integration testing. As a Test Engineering Intern, you will support the design, setup, and execution of tests for spacecraft subsystems. You will collaborate with engineers and technicians to develop test procedures, analyze data, and help ensure our satellites operate reliably in the extreme conditions of space.

Muon is a small and fast growing startup which offers interns the experience to get direct mentorship and have real impact on our programs. As an intern, you'll collaborate with a dynamic team in a startup environment and have the chance to learn from some of the most accomplished and experienced aerospace professionals in the industry. We're committed to offering an experience where your decisions and contributions play a pivotal role in driving Muon's success.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and updating test processes for satellite-level and unit-level testing (thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI, functional testing, etc.).
• 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.

Qualifications

• 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 (e.g., mechanical, electrical, software).
• 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 (i.e. Rocket club, CubeSat, Formula SAE, Solar Car)
• Knowledge of a specific satellite subsystem or domain, such as GNC, RF communications, or 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

Muon is currently registered and able to hire in the following states

AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IL, IA, ID, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA

ITAR/EAR Requirements

This position requires access to export controlled information.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations applicable to that information, applicant must either be (A) a U.S. person, defined as a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, (B) eligible to access the export controlled information without a required export authorization, or (C) eligible and reasonably likely to obtain the required export authorization from the applicable U.S. government agency.

The Company may, for legitimate business reasons, decline to pursue any export licensing process.