Spacecraft Systems Engineering Intern
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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 Spacecraft Systems Engineering Intern to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Systems Engineering Manager the Spacecraft Systems Engineering Intern will contribute to the development of next‑generation spacecraft. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with experienced systems engineers on real flight programs, build hands-on technical skills, and support critical milestones across multiple spacecraft platforms.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and formalize a spacecraft data budget tool to support system-level performance analyses
- Collect, organize, and format technical content for major program reviews (e.g., MELCO CDR, T3 PDR, CAPS02 CDR)
- Create an automated Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FDIR) testing tool using the updated spoofer framework
- Write automated Command & Telemetry (CPT) scripts to support system verification
- Update the Nano generic branch based on lessons learned from PTD and PE2 missions
- Perform trade studies and comparative analyses for various ongoing spacecraft programs
- Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to support system integration, testing, and requirement verification
Required Qualifications and Skills
- Pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, 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).
- Strong Python programming skills (top priority)
- Interest in spacecraft systems engineering, spacecraft design, or space mission development
- Ability to analyze technical information and contribute to system-level decision making
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills
- U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications and Skills
- Familiarity with spacecraft system budgets (e.g., mass, power, data budgets)
- Coursework or project experience in systems engineering, aerospace engineering, or related disciplines
- Experience with scripting, automation, or test tool development
- Exposure to space systems, CubeSats, or mission operations through academic projects, clubs, or internships
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.
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