Space Operations Engineering Intern – Summer 2027
Required skills
- spacecraft
- telemetry
- commands
- test procedures
- flight hardware
- flight software
- system tests
- pre-launch operations
- space operations
- engineering team
Nice to have
- HITL
- Flatsat
- software verification testbeds
- test role
- automation role
- Python
Role summary
K2 Space is seeking a Mission Operations Engineering Intern for a 3-month internship during Summer 2027. The intern will gain hands-on experience with spacecraft operations, including executing integrated test campaigns, understanding the satellite bus, and validating system health. Responsibilities involve supporting test procedures, operating spacecraft during system tests, interpreting telemetry, sending commands, identifying off-nominal conditions, and communicating status and risks to the team. The role requires current enrollment in a relevant engineering degree program and at least 6 months of technical engineering experience outside the classroom. The internship is based onsite in Torrance, CA.
K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by over $1 billion in total funding from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, ICONIQ, Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Redpoint Ventures, and T. Rowe Price — and with over $1 billion in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers, we're mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.
The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and tomorrow's massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits.
With multiple launches in 2027 and plans to scale to 100 satellites a year, we're Building Bigger — helping develop the solar system and build toward a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a high-growth Series D-funded company, we'd love for you to apply.
The Role
We're looking for a stellar Space Operations Engineering Intern to join our team for a 3-month internship. You'll join the Space Ops Engineering team to be hands-on with real spacecraft – executing integrated test campaigns, mastering the satellite bus, and working with world-class RE teams to validate system health and fly on-orbit satellites.
Responsibilities
Qualifications
Additional Requirements
Nice to Have
Compensation
If you don’t meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!
If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.
Export Compliance
As defined in the ITAR, “U.S. Persons” include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a “U.S. Person.”
The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.
Equal Opportunity
K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Similar roles
- Manager, Solar EngineeringK2 Space · Los Angeles, CA · Onsite
- Facilities Electrical TechnicianK2 Space · Los Angeles, CA · Onsite
Mission Operations Engineering InternReflect Orbital · Hawthorne, CA · Onsite
Operations Engineering Co-Op/InternINFICON · East Syracuse, NY · Onsite- Director, Facilities & Operations EngineeringVisa · Foster City, CA · Onsite
Senior Director, Operations Engineering Strategic Initiatives, NAVantage Data Centers · Co11, NV · Hybrid
