INTERNSHIP DETAILS
Manufacturing Engineering Intern
CompanyCapella Space
LocationLouisville
Work ModeOn Site
PostedDecember 12, 2025

Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
Assist manufacturing engineers in developing and documenting production processes for satellite components. Participate in new product introduction activities and support continuous improvement initiatives.
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 (<strong>June 8–August 14, 2026</strong>) 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="none"><span class="TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW194908034 BCX0" lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW194908034 BCX0">About the Role </span></span></span></strong></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Capella is looking for a </span><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Manufacturing Engineering Intern</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> to support the development and improvement of our satellite production processes. In this role, you’ll work closely with experienced manufacturing, design, and production engineers to help streamline workflows, support new product introduction activities, and contribute to continuous improvement projects.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">This internship offers hands-on exposure to satellite manufacturing operations, production line development, documentation, tooling, and process improvement in a fast-paced and highly collaborative environment.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="heading 2">Key Responsibilities:</span></span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":299,"335559739":299}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Assist manufacturing engineers in developing and documenting production processes used to build satellite components and assemblies.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Support efforts to improve manufacturability by reviewing build instructions, tooling needs, and production workflows.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Help maintain and update manufacturing documentation including work instructions, process maps, and standard operating procedures.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Participate in new product introduction (NPI) activities by helping validate build processes, collecting feedback from technicians, and assisting with early-stage process trials.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Assist with data collection and organization to support production tracking and continuous improvement initiatives.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Help with layout reviews, workflow observations, and equipment/tooling organization to improve efficiency on the production floor.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Participate in projects involving lean manufacturing, waste reduction, cycle-time improvement, and quality optimization.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Work with cross-functional teams—including Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and Design Engineering—to support day-to-day manufacturing activities.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Assist in identifying production bottlenecks and proposing small-scale improvements under the guidance of senior engineers.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="none"><span class="TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW140171775 BCX0" lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW140171775 BCX0">Qualifications</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW140171775 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":1,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":300}"> </span></span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Actively pursuing a </span><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Interest in manufacturing processes, production systems, and hardware development.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Ability to collaborate within cross-functional teams.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Good communication and organizational skills.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Enthusiasm for learning in a fast-paced environment.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<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"><span data-ccp-parastyle="heading 2">Preferred Qualifications </span></span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Exposure to lean manufacturing concepts through coursework or projects.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Familiarity with CAD tools (SolidWorks or similar).</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience with process documentation or technical writing.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Interest in automation, tooling, or advanced manufacturing technologies.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Basic understanding of data analysis or manufacturing metrics.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></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 $37 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, an IonQ company 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
Manufacturing ProcessesProduction SystemsHardware DevelopmentProblem-SolvingAnalytical SkillsCollaborationCommunicationOrganizational SkillsLearning EnthusiasmLean ManufacturingCAD ToolsProcess DocumentationTechnical WritingAutomationData AnalysisManufacturing Metrics
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