Propulsion and Fluids Intern

Propulsion and Fluids Intern

Long Beach, CA

Space is a war fighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.

True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors — enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.

True Anomaly values creativity and ingenuity, challenging assumptions to deliver ambitious results, and recognizes that our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.

We are seeking highly motivated Propulsion and Fluids Test Interns to support spacecraft propulsion and fluid systems test operations. As an intern, you will work alongside propulsion test engineers, fluids engineers, and test technicians to support the execution of test campaigns for propulsion hardware and fluid systems. This internship offers hands-on experience with rocket propulsion testing, fluid systems, test instrumentation, and data analysis in a fast-paced startup environment.

You will gain exposure to the full test lifecycle from planning through execution and data analysis, contributing to mission-critical spacecraft hardware development.

Responsibilities include assisting test engineers with test setup, instrumentation installation, and hardware integration in preparation for propulsion and fluids test campaigns; supporting execution of propulsion test operations including pressure testing, leak testing, flow testing, and functional performance tests under the supervision of test engineers; assisting with data acquisition system setup, sensor calibration, and test instrumentation checkout; collecting, organizing, and performing preliminary analysis of test data including pressure, temperature, flow, and performance measurements;

helping develop test procedures, work instructions, and test documentation under engineer guidance; supporting assembly and configuration of ground support equipment, test fixtures, and fluid systems hardware; assisting with post-test hardware inspections, anomaly documentation, and test report generation; participating in test readiness reviews, safety briefings, and cross-functional team meetings; and supporting maintenance of test equipment, tooling inventory, and test site cleanliness and organization.

Basic qualifications include being currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree program in aerospace, mechanical, chemical engineering, or related technical discipline; having completed coursework in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or propulsion systems (preferred but not required); having a strong interest in spacecraft propulsion, rocket engines, or fluid systems; having a basic understanding of engineering principles, test methods, and data analysis; being able to work safely around test equipment and follow safety procedures;

having strong attention to detail and ability to follow written procedures; having effective communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment; being willing to work hands-on in a test facility environment including wearing PPE and working outdoors; being a U.S. citizen due to government contracts; and being able to work full time (40 hours per week), on-site in Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA until December 2026.

Preferred qualifications include being a junior or senior undergraduate student, or graduate student in aerospace, mechanical, or chemical engineering; having coursework or project experience in propulsion systems, rocket engines, or fluid dynamics; having experience with data analysis tools (MATLAB, Python, Excel) or data acquisition software (LabVIEW); having hands-on experience through student projects, competitions (AIAA, rocketry clubs), or previous internships; being familiar with CAD software, engineering drawings, or P&;

having knowledge of pressure systems, fluid flow, or thermodynamic cycles; having experience with instrumentation (pressure transducers, thermocouples, flow meters) through lab courses or projects; having strong problem-solving…