Spacecraft Test Engineering Intern (Summer 2027)

About the role
Summer internships will range between the months of May and September depending on university schedules. Internship is full-time and on-site in San Jose, California.
The Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) team at Muon is responsible for validation of spacecraft hardware through unit acceptance testing as well as spacecraft level integration testing. As a Test Engineering Intern, you will support the design, setup, and execution of tests for spacecraft subsystems. You will collaborate with engineers and technicians to develop test procedures, analyze data, and help ensure our satellites operate reliably in the extreme conditions of space.
Muon is a small and fast growing startup which offers interns the experience to get direct mentorship and have real impact on our programs. As an intern, you'll collaborate with a dynamic team in a startup environment and have the chance to learn from some of the most accomplished and experienced aerospace professionals in the industry. We're committed to offering an experience where your decisions and contributions play a pivotal role in driving Muon's success.
Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and updating test processes for satellite-level and unit-level testing (thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI, functional testing, etc.).
• Update existing test stations to improve usability, streamline workflows, and increase testing efficiency.
• Support development of basic automation of lab test equipment used for hardware testing
• Execute test plans under engineer supervision, including functional checkout, environmental stress testing, and troubleshooting.
• Collect and process test data, perform preliminary analysis, and generate summary reports.
• Support the integration of satellite hardware and ground support equipment in cleanroom and lab environments.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace, Systems, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals across multiple disciplines (e.g., mechanical, electrical, software).
• Demonstrated proficiency in a programming or scripting language for hardware interfacing and data analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB/Simulink, Julia, C++).
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to approach complex, multi-disciplinary challenges from a first-principles perspective.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment.

Nice-to-have Skills

• Previous internship or co-op experience
• Previous experience on technical project teams (i.e. Rocket club, CubeSat, Formula SAE, Solar Car)
• Knowledge of a specific satellite subsystem or domain, such as GNC, RF communications, or power systems.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL/HITL) testing or system integration.

Pay range
Bachelor's students $40/hour
Master's $45/hour
PhD $50/hour
About Muon Space
Founded in 2021, Muon Space is an end-to-end Space Systems Provider that designs, builds, and operates LEO satellite constellations delivering mission-critical data. Our revolutionary, integrated technology stack enables customers to optimize every dimension of their missions for faster time-to-orbit and superior constellation remote sensing performance. Our state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Silicon Valley is optimized for manufacturing spacecraft and rapid, flexible payload integration at scale. From climate monitoring to national security, Muon Space is dedicated to delivering Earth Intelligence for a safer and more resilient world.
Taking Care of Our Team
At Muon salary is only part of our total compensation package. In addition to salary, full-time employees receive equity compensation as well as benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401k retirement plan, short & long term disability and life insurance. We also offer three weeks paid vacation for new employees, along with 12 paid holidays, unlimited sick time and paid parental leave.
Our mission embraces the entire planet and we believe our team should too. Muon is dedicated to creating a diverse and dynamic company and workforce. We believe in equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or gender identity. We value diversity in the workplace, and that starts with our applicants. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't check all the boxes, and we look forward to reviewing your application! In addition, if you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.
Muon is currently registered and able to hire in the following states:
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IL, IA, ID, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA
ITAR/EAR Requirements
This position requires access to export controlled information. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations applicable to that information, applicant must either be (A) a U.S. person, defined as a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (), (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, (B) eligible to access the export controlled information without a required export authorization, or (C) eligible and reasonably likely to obtain the required export authorization from the applicable U.S. government agency. The Company may, for legitimate business reasons, decline to pursue any export licensing process.