Test Engineering Internship

Space Kinetic is a cleared, venture-backed startup focused on addressing urgent national security priorities. Our goal is to deliver a suite of asymmetric capabilities for space superiority and missile defense leveraging our proprietary electromechanical deployment system, which enables the rapid deployment of low-cost payloads through space without firing a thruster. Space Kinetic is currently assembling its TRL‑5 prototype. Our goal is to leverage this platform to provide the United States with a new tool for securing the space domain and catalyzing the emerging space economy.

As a Test Engineer Intern
, this position will assist in engineering activities that support design or process improvement for the Division. Be a driving force for continuous improvement of the facility while working with all levels of the organization. Interns will be provided with training and mentorship that will translate to real‑world skills and experiences. As an Intern, you will assist with the design, execute, and maintain both manual and automated tests to ensure high‑quality software delivery.

You will contribute to test planning, develop detailed test cases, and identify, report, and track defects. You’ll work closely with developers and product teams to troubleshoot issues, enhance testing methodologies, and continuously improve test coverage across applications, maximizing testing efficiency through automation. This role offers growth opportunities to further refine your technical expertise and contribute to complex testing initiatives.

• Currently enrolled for an Engineering Degree in an accredited college or university
• Passion for design, manufacturing, and testing of space systems and/or mechanisms
• Analytical, problem‑solving, and mechanical skills are required
• Must be confident with complex machine setups
• Physically able to handle heavy items, including lifting, pushing, pulling, and positioning components. Stand for long periods of time
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, self‑driven, rapidly growing entrepreneurial workplace
• Ability to work with minimal direction or support and to learn quickly; strong analytical skills; creative and innovative thinking; detail‑oriented; calm under pressure; commitment to follow‑through; enthusiastic with a talent for motivating others; receptive to criticism and open to others' ideas; and effective in written communication
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder)
• Ability to maintain or obtain Government Security Clearance

• Curiosity for testing in‑space operations
• Solid Works or equivalent 3D modeling experience
• Passion for the commercial and government space industry
• Passion for spacecraft or launch vehicle system development

• The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. §1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. §1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State

Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

The annual base salary for this role is below. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job‑related skills, relevant education/experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.

Pay Range: $20 USD - $30 USD