Propulsion Testing Internship (Fall 2025)
Astrobotic Technology
Astrobotic is at the forefront of advancing space exploration and technology development. Our expertise spans from lunar rovers, landers, and infrastructure to spacecraft navigation, machine vision, and computing systems for in-space robotic applications. To date, the company has been contracted for two lunar missions, and has won more than 60 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Department of Defense (DoD), and commercial technology contracts worth more than $600 million.
We recently launched and operated the first American lunar lander mission since the Apollo Program. Beyond helping lead America back to the Moon, Astrobotic developed and operates reusable vertical takeoff, vertical landing (VTVL) rockets and continues to advance next-generation VTVL capabilities and advanced rocket engines. Established in 2007, Astrobotic is headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, with a propulsion and test campus in Mojave, CA.
Astrobotic provides rocket-powered VTVL test flights and advances rocket technology for commercial and government customers. This part of Astrobotic’s portfolio is reinforced by our acquisition of Masten Space Systems. We’re seeking Test Engineering Interns to support this work in our Mojave, CA location. This position is open to undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students.
The primary responsibilities for this position involve working closely with our flight vehicles and test stands. Beyond this, there will be an array of other projects that you may be asked to work on as aligned with your skillsets and the team’s needs. Occasionally, program needs will dictate a high-priority project for you to work on as well.
Your submission must include a portfolio (1-5 pages) highlighting your experience. The portfolio should contain projects you’re proud of (whether school or personal), pictures and descriptions of said projects, and an explanation of your contributions and responsibilities. Please submit application documents (resume and portfolio) combined in a single PDF file.
This internship is expected to run for 13 weeks during the Fall semester
Job Responsibilities:
- Serving as ground crew for test operations
- Designing, building, and maintaining test infrastructure, (GSE, test stands, flight vehicles)
- Fabricating fluid systems for propulsion activities (high pressure gas, cryogenics)
- Troubleshooting and repairing flight vehicles, test stands, and ground support equipment
- Other engineering projects spanning design, manufacturing, and operations according to program needs
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Not afraid to ask questions; Self-starter
- Able to work in small groups or solo with little supervision
- Hardworking; Team-oriented
- Able to perform in high-stress environments/situations
- Work in-person at Mojave, CA location
- Applicants must submit a portfolio of their history of previous hands-on experience
Desired Skills & Qualifications:
- Experience in liquid propulsion test systems and test stands (school or industry)
- Experience using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) to design parts/assemblies (SolidWorks preferred).
- Experience developing hardware from concept to working prototypes.
- Hands-on fabrication skills -- Machine shop competence
- Coding/data analysis – Python, MATLAB, C, C++
- Electrical and electronic systems – Instrumentation, embedded systems
- Testing – test site setup and operations
- Amateur rocketry
Export Control Regulations:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. person which includes U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) including those individuals granted refugee or asylum status, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Astrobotic Technology, Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation:
If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to contact@astrobotic.com.