INTERNSHIP DETAILS
Development Verification Test Intern
CompanyCapella Space
LocationSan Francisco
Work ModeOn Site
PostedDecember 12, 2025

Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
Assist in the verification and troubleshooting of spacecraft hardware across various phases of design, validation, and qualification. Help develop and execute test plans and procedures to ensure thorough test coverage for electrical and mechanical systems.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
268
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
Capella builds trusted space systems that deliver secure, rapid, and actionable Earth intelligence to Amplify Intelligence™ for our allied partners. Powered by IonQ, we're creating the world’s first quantum-enabled Earth observation network, transforming how intelligence is delivered through innovation, speed, and trust.
As the first U.S. company to launch and operate a commercial SAR constellation, Capella continues to redefine what’s possible in space-based intelligence. Our taskable Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites capture precise, high-resolution imagery in any condition, day or night, through clouds, smoke, or darkness, providing mission-ready insights when and where they’re needed most.
We design for the realities of modern defense and intelligence: speed, sovereignty, and resilience. Capella delivers reliable, low-latency data that gives governments and global partners a decisive edge.
Our vertically integrated manufacturing and automated tasking platform set the standard for trusted, low-latency SAR operations, enabling faster decisions and stronger deterrence across ISR and national security missions.
Together with IonQ, we’re building toward a quantum-enabled constellation that empowers allies to see, decide, and act with confidence in any environment.
About the Role
<p><strong>About Capella Space</strong></p>
<p>Capella, an IonQ company, builds trusted space systems that deliver secure, rapid, and actionable Earth intelligence to amplify decision-making for allied partners. As the first U.S. company to launch and operate a commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) constellation, Capella provides precise, high-resolution radar imagery in any condition—day or night, through clouds, smoke, and darkness. Capella is defining the future of space-based intelligence through a vertically integrated approach that spans spacecraft design, advanced radar payloads, manufacturing, automated tasking, and low-latency delivery of mission-ready data. Capella designs for the realities of modern defense and intelligence: speed, sovereignty, and resilience. Powered by IonQ, Capella is creating the world’s first quantum-enabled Earth observation network—transforming how intelligence is delivered through innovation, speed, and trust. This next-generation architecture will provide governments and global partners with a decisive edge: the ability to see, decide, and act with confidence in any environment.</p>
<p><strong>What Makes Capella Unique?</strong></p>
<p>Capella, an IonQ company, spans national security, advanced sensing, and next-generation compute to deliver secure, mission-ready intelligence. Capella’s culture is built on collaboration, rigorous engineering, and a shared commitment to delivering solutions that strengthens global stability and security. Team members work side-by-side with some of the most innovative minds in space systems, quantum-enabled technologies, and mission-critical operations. Capella values curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to tackle hard problems with precision and creativity. Capella welcomes and encourages applicants whose perspectives are historically underrepresented in technology, national security, and aerospace. No prior space experience is required. Diverse viewpoints strengthen Capella’s ability to innovate and to deliver meaningful impact for partners worldwide.</p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Capella Space Internship Program </span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p>Capella's 10-week, in-person internship program (June 8–August 14, 2026) gives students hands-on experience in spacecraft development, operations, and geospatial technology. Interns work directly on meaningful projects while building technical skills, industry insight, and professional connections. The program includes mentorship, team engagement, and social events that support a balanced and collaborative experience. A stipend is provided to help with living expenses.</p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="heading 3">About the Role</span></span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":281,"335559739":281}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Capella Space is seeking an </span><span data-contrast="auto">Intern </span><span data-contrast="auto">to join the Development Verification Test (DVT) Engineering team in San Francisco, CA. This internship offers hands-on experience supporting the lifecycle of test engineering for spacecraft hardware, including ground test infrastructure.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">You will work closely with electrical, mechanical, RF, software, and sensor design teams to learn how spacecraft hardware is tested and qualified to meet functional, performance, and reliability requirements. This role provides an excellent growth opportunity for students or recent graduates interested in spacecraft test engineering and hardware validation.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="heading 3">Key Responsibilities</span></span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":281,"335559739":281}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Assist in the verification and troubleshooting of spacecraft hardware (avionics, RF, mechanical) across various phases of design, validation, and qualification.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Help develop and execute test plans and procedures to ensure thorough test coverage for electrical and mechanical systems.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Support building and maintaining test fixtures and test setups.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Participate in subsystem bring-up and testing activities, both in the lab and simulated environments (e.g., thermal vacuum chambers).</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Assist with documentation of test results, procedures, and hardware configurations.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and vendors to support test execution and hardware improvements.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Learn best practices for testing mission-critical aerospace hardware and supporting cross-functional teams.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="heading 3">Preferred Qualifications</span></span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":281,"335559739":281}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Basic understanding of hardware testing concepts and hands-on experience with electrical or mechanical components preferred.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Familiarity with test planning, execution, and documentation processes a plus.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Strong curiosity and eagerness to learn about spacecraft systems and test engineering practices.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Good communication skills and ability to work well within a team.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Ability to follow detailed instructions and maintain attention to detail in test procedures.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="heading 3">Required Qualifications</span></span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":281,"335559739":281}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Currently attending a degree program and available to work full time for 10 weeks outside of university term time.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">In their penultimate academic year or returning to a degree program after completion of the internship.</span></li>
<li>To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Capella Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR <a href="https://urldefense.us/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.pmddtc.state.gov_-3Fid-3Dddtc-5Fkb-5Farticle-5Fpage-26sys-5Fid-3D24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987&d=DwMFog&c=N_fLK0KxmM34zjMadXHMx_SQYmXWO3FX0MRVr1hBcn4&r=prjnch9sxomG2ahCicblmM3m-FuPObepspoR1qvWq2I&m=ExC44mBPk2emo4Fr0xPSGZN0UraQ1ZtkDTxwR7iWw5rixcFQb-Wjlv7lJcecLldz&s=0lfm4LyRtFwK220WHBK11DGHWSVvVhQEcfa5G_2Nf18&e="><span class="s1">here</span></a>.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="none">Compensation</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":300}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="x_msonormal">This internship will be a 40-hour a week commitment at the pay of $39 per hour. An allowance </span></span><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="x_msonormal">will also be provided to support living costs throughout the program.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="none">Equal Opportunity Statement</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Capella Space is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you need assistance or require an accommodation during the job application process, please notify </span><a href="mailto:recruiting@capellaspace.com"><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">recruiting@capellaspace.com</span></span></a><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">To learn more about us, explore our site: </span><a href="https://www.capellaspace.com/"><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">https://www.capellaspace.com/</span></span></a><span data-contrast="none"> </span> <span data-contrast="none">and follow us on </span><a href="https://twitter.com/capellaspace"><strong><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">X</span></span></strong></a><strong><span data-contrast="none"> and </span></strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/capella-space"><strong><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">LinkedIn</span></span></strong></a><strong> </strong><span data-contrast="none">to see our SAR imagery!</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335559739":160,"335559740":257}"> </span></p>
Key Skills
Electrical EngineeringMechanical EngineeringComputer ScienceAerospace EngineeringHardware TestingTest PlanningDocumentationCommunicationTeamworkAttention to DetailCuriosityLearningTroubleshootingTest ExecutionCollaborationProblem Solving
Categories
EngineeringTechnologyScience & Research
Benefits
Stipend for Living Expenses
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