Manufacturing Test Engineering Intern - CDH
You'll be redirected to
the company's application page
Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you’re not just part of the system – you’re a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation’s defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you’re driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you’ll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let’s redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!
Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Test Engineering Intern to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Sr. Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead - CDH the Manufacturing Test Engineering Intern will support automation and test development for our Command and Data Handling (C&DH) component and module team. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on lab work, Python scripting, and helping build reliable test systems for production spacecraft hardware.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop a Python-based script to control the test system and automate testing of production hardware
- Support planning for the full test setup, including identifying required equipment and materials
- Collaborate with engineering leads to design, 3D-print, fabricate, or procure needed fixtures, cables, or support hardware
- Once materials are delivered, assist in assembling and configuring the test setup
- Verify the test configuration functions as intended and aligns with engineering requirements
- Document clear, repeatable manufacturing test processes for production use
- Perform full qualification test runs to validate the new automated test setup
- Work closely with mentors and team leads throughout all stages of development and testing
Required Qualifications and Skills
- Currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
- Able to work full time, onsite in Irvine, CA for 8 – 12 weeks starting in June 2026 (no relocation stipend, must be local).
- Basic experience with Python programming.
- Interest in hands-on testing, manufacturing engineering, or hardware development
- Strong communication, problem‑solving, and organizational skills
- U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications and Skills
- Experience programming or automating lab equipment
- Ability to read and understand electrical schematics
- Familiarity with standard electrical engineering lab equipment (oscilloscopes, power supplies, DMMs, etc.)
- Curiosity and desire to work directly with hardware in a lab environment
Salary Range
- Freshman/Sophomore - $25 per hour
- Junior - $27.50 per hour
- Senior/Graduate - $30 per hour
Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!
Full-time positions only:
Benefits
- 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
- 401(k) Match
- Flexible Time Off (FTO)
- Education Reimbursement
- Competitive Paid Parental Leave
About Terran Orbital
Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com
Physical Demands
An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.
Work Environment
The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.
Disclaimers
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.
Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hr@terranorbital.com.
Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.
And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.
Prep Tools
BOOST YOUR INTERVIEW CHANCES
Must-Have Skills for This Role
YOUR RESUME KNOWS THE QUESTIONS
AI Question Predictor
Based on Manufacturing Test Engineering Intern - CDH role
STUCK ON A QUESTION? PRACTICE IT
Practice Any Question
Get instant AI feedback
"How would you design a scalable system for Terran Orbital Corporation's use case?"