Spacecraft Test Engineering Intern (Summer 2027) (Aerospace)

Location: Full-time, on-site in San Jose, California

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

Company

hirify.global is a startup that designs, builds, and operates LEO satellite constellations and provides mission-critical Earth intelligence data.

What you will do

• Develop and update satellite-level and unit-level test processes, including thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI, and functional testing.
• Update test stations to improve usability, streamline workflows, and increase testing efficiency.
• Support basic automation of laboratory test equipment used for spacecraft hardware testing.
• Execute functional checkout, environmental stress testing, and troubleshooting under engineer supervision.
• Collect and process test data, perform preliminary analysis, and prepare summary reports.
• Support satellite hardware and ground support equipment integration in cleanroom and laboratory environments.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace, Systems, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Strong engineering fundamentals across multiple disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, and software engineering.
• Programming or scripting experience for hardware interfacing and data analysis, such as Python, MATLAB/Simulink, Julia, or C++.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills for multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Must meet applicable U.S. export-control eligibility requirements for access to controlled information.

Nice to have

• Previous internship or co-op experience.
• Experience on technical project teams such as Rocket Club, CubeSat, Formula SAE, or Solar Car.
• Knowledge of satellite subsystems such as GNC, RF communications, or power systems.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop or system integration testing.

Culture & Benefits

• Direct mentorship and meaningful project contributions in a fast-growing startup environment.
• Collaboration with experienced aerospace professionals and a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• The internship runs between May and September depending on university schedules.
• Full-time employees receive equity, medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan, disability and life insurance, paid vacation, paid holidays, sick time, and parental leave.