INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Scientific, Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) Engineering Intern

CompanySpace Kinetic
LocationEl Segundo
Work ModeOn Site
PostedMay 19, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
Support technical research and engineering analysis across mechanical systems, aerospace concepts, and astrodynamics. Assist in preparing technical documentation, performing orbital mechanics analysis, and coordinating with technical teams in a startup environment.
Internship Type
full time
Salary Range
$20 - $30
Company Size
38
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
Space Kinetic is focused on our nation’s most urgent national security priorities. Our goal is to rethink space operations down to first principles to deliver game-changing capabilities for missile defense and space superiority.
About the Role

A New Paradigm For Space Operations.

Who We Are: 
Space Kinetic is a cleared, venture-backed startup focused on addressing urgent national security priorities. Our goal is to deliver a suite of asymmetric capabilities for space superiority and missile defense leveraging our proprietary electromechanical deployment system, which enables the rapid deployment of low-cost payloads through space without firing a thruster. Space Kinetic is currently assembling its TRL-5 prototype. Our goal is to leverage this platform to provide the United States with a new tool for securing the space domain & catalyzing the emerging space economy.

What You’ll Do: 
We are seeking a highly motivated Scientific, Engineering, and Technical Assistance (SETA) Engineering Intern to support technical research and engineering analysis efforts across mechanical systems, aerospace concepts, and astrodynamics-related projects. This role is ideal for a highly analytical aerospace student or recent graduate interested in working closely with leadership on advanced space technology concepts, engineering trades, and research activities in a fast-paced startup environment.

For those who dream of changing the Universe, an internship with Space Kinetic is the place to start. 

This role provides exposure to multidisciplinary aerospace development, including mechanical engineering support, technical research, mission analysis, and engineering coordination activities.

What It Takes: 

  • Currently enrolled for a Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Physics degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Must be a recent college graduate OR graduate within the last semester of your program.
  • Support mechanical and aerospace engineering research activities  
  • Assist with astrodynamics analysis, technical trades, and concept evaluations  
  • Perform technical research related to spacecraft systems, orbital mechanics, and space mission applications  
  • Help prepare engineering summaries, technical documentation, and presentation materials  
  • Support engineering coordination and follow-up across technical teams  
  • Assist with analysis of engineering data, system concepts, and design approaches  
  • Participate in technical discussions and engineering reviews  
  • Support rapid research tasks and problem-solving activities in a startup environment 

 What We’d Love: 

  • Familiarity with astrodynamics or orbital mechanics concepts  
  • Exposure to MATLAB, Python, STK, GMAT, or similar technical tools is a plus  
  • Strong research and technical writing ability  
  • Ability to learn quickly and work independently  
  • Comfortable in a fast-moving startup environment  

Where You’ll Be: 

  • The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.

ITAR Requirements:  
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here 

Equal Employment Opportunity: 
Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. 

The annual base salary for this role is below. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data.  Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education/experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.  

Pay Range
$20$30 USD
Key Skills
Mechanical EngineeringAerospace EngineeringAstrodynamicsOrbital MechanicsTechnical ResearchTechnical WritingMATLABPythonSTKGMATEngineering AnalysisMission AnalysisData AnalysisSystem ConceptsTechnical Documentation
Categories
EngineeringScience & ResearchTechnology