Propulsion Engineer Intern (Summer 2027)
This posting asks for U.S. citizenship.
About the role
Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity’s reach into the solar system. Today Astranis satellites provide dedicated, secure networks to highly-sophisticated customers across the globe – large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military.
With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch soon, the company is servicing a backlog of more than $1 billion of commercial contracts. Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent requirements for uptime, data security, network visibility, and customization.
Astranis has raised over $1.2 billion from some of the world’s best investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, Baillie Gifford, Blackrock, Fidelity, Franklin Templeton, and Snowpoint, and employs a team of 500 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA.
Propulsion Engineer Intern (Summer 2027)
Internships at Astranis typically last for twelve weeks, and are hourly roles designed for students who are currently enrolled at a four-year university.
As an Intern, you will have an amazing opportunity to work on hard problems - we pride ourselves on giving everyone at Astranis a chance to do meaningful work on complex projects, no matter their seniority. Many past interns have designed and tested hardware/software that is heading to space on our first satellite, and many of them are now full-time employees at Astranis.
If you have already graduated from a four-year university, please apply to be an Associate Engineer.
Role
- Make an impact on the Propulsion team by designing, analyzing, building, and testing propulsion system hardware
- Take on interdisciplinary projects with other teams to support Propulsion and company initiatives
- Learn how to apply your academic experience to real world situations and develop team skills to fuel you academic and professional careers
Requirements
- Currently pursuing a B.S. in a technical discipline (e.g. Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, Physics)
- Understanding of spacecraft systems and operation demonstrated through course work or student organizations
- Demonstrated ability to personally design, build, and test hardware from scratch
- Don't meet them all? Not a problem. Please apply even if you do not meet all these criteria.
Bonus
- Familiarity with spacecraft design with a focus on chemical and/or electrical propulsion for spacecraft
- Experience with Python
- Test experience with spacecraft propulsion systems
The base pay for this position is $29.00 per hour.
Base Hourly Pay
$29 - $29 USD
U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required
(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3))
Our mission and products are built for everyone, regardless of gender, race, creed, or background. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we invite all people to join our team and bring their unique perspectives to make us stronger.
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Copied from the listing Astranis published, verified 29 Oct 2026.
The application
Your details, then 10 questions (5 written).
- 1.Astranis complies with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, therefore will you state which of the following applies to you:Pick one
- 2.What is the most impressive thing you have ever accomplished?Written answer
- 3.A 100 kg dry mass spacecraft has a thruster with 2000 s specific impulse and 30 mN thrust. What propellant mass is required to achieve 400 m/s of delta-v?Written answer
- 4.How long will the maneuver in the previous question take? Why?Written answer
- 5.The spacecraft is using xenon as the propellant for the maneuver in the previous question. How would you size the tank?Written answer
- 6.How would you protect and inspect critical propulsion hardware when receiving it at your facility for the first time?Written answer
- 7.Please confirm which season you are applying for.Pick one: Summer 2027
- 8.When are you able to join Astranis as an intern? (12 week minimum)Short answer
- 9.When do you plan on ending your internship?Short answer
- 10.At Astranis, we value in-person collaboration and a strong work ethic. Are you comfortable with working onsite at our San Francisco HQ 5 days a week?Yes or no
Taken from the application form Astranis runs, verified 29 Oct 2026.
About Astranis
Designs, builds and operates high-orbit satellites for sovereign connectivity.
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