Avionics Test Engineering Intern
Role summary
This Avionics Test Engineering Intern position is for an individual pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer, or Aerospace Engineering. The role involves supporting the testing and integration of spacecraft avionics systems, gaining hands-on experience with flight electrical devices, and assisting in the development and improvement of test systems. Responsibilities include developing end-to-end test systems, operating electrical test equipment, creating automated testing solutions, and collaborating with various engineering teams. The internship requires on-site work in Redondo Beach, CA, and offers exposure to the full spacecraft development lifecycle.
### Who you are
- Recent completion or currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
- Strong academic foundation in circuits, electronics, or software
- Hands-on project, research, or lab experience involving hardware integration or testing
- Basic understanding of instrumentation, data acquisition, or troubleshooting methods
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment
- Experience working on an engineering project involving vehicles or hardware (spacecraft, rockets, drones, cars, robotics, etc.)
- Experience designing PCBs using Altium Designer or similar PCB design tools (KiCAD, Eagle etc.)
- Experience writing automation software and data post-processing in Python (or another language like C, Matlab etc.)
- Exposure to environmental test equipment (vibration tables, thermal chambers, etc.)
- Experience with electrical lab test equipment such as DMMs, oscilloscopes, DAQs, power supplies etc
- Knowledge of safe handling practices for electrical or high-reliability hardware
- Interest in spacecraft systems and flight hardware testing
- Willing and able to work on-site in Redondo Beach, CA for the duration of the internship
### What the job involves
- As an Avionics Test Engineering Intern, you will support the testing and integration of spacecraft avionics systems
- As an intern, you will gain hands-on experience working with flight electrical devices ranging from individual circuit boards to full spacecraft systems
- You will assist engineers in developing, running, and improving test systems that ensure hardware is ready for spaceflight
- This role offers exposure to multiple engineering disciplines, test equipment, and the full spacecraft development lifecycle — from design to launch
- Develop end-to-end test systems that validate flight electrical hardware including circuit boards, optical devices, and electromechanical assemblies
- Support the setup, operation, and troubleshooting of electrical test equipment and ground support hardware
- Develop automated testing solutions to collect, analyze, and document test dataBuild and maintain test systems, racks, and setups for component level and integrated testbeds under engineer supervision
- Collaborate with avionics, propulsion, GNC, software, and integration engineers to verify complete test coverage of existing and new test systems
- Contribute to pre-launch test activities and learn how spacecraft are prepared for flight
### Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision: Enjoy the best medical, dental and optical coverage money can buy. We've got you and your family covered for all eventualities
- Company Ownership: You’ll be contributing to Impulse's success, so you deserve to share in it. All full-time employees receive a meaningful equity allocation
- Flexible PTO Policy: We believe in work-life harmony more so than "balance". When you are happy & fulfilled outside of work, you will be more productive when you're in it. We offer generous PTO accrual to our full-time employees