Test Engineering Intern

Employer description

ABOUT US:Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company developing a scalable technology platform to power critical infrastructure, mission operations, and the future of flight. We apply aerospace engineering and quality standards across our products, delivering high performance, reliability, and efficiency for the most demanding operating environments. Astro Mechanica is backed by leading venture and strategic investors, including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Giant Step Capital, United Airlines Ventures, and Voyager Ventures.

WHO WE ARE:We’re a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We’re generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy.

WHO YOU ARE:Astro Mechanica is seeking an intern to join our Test Team for the summer of 2027 (program begins on June 7, 2027 for semester schools and June 27, 2027 for quarter schools). The ideal candidate is excited to help design, fabricate, operate, and improve the test infrastructure supporting our jet engine and subsystems. As an intern, you’ll be embedded with the test team in Antioch or Alameda, working on real test stands and hardware alongside full-time engineers. Your work will help keep test operations running smoothly while expanding and improving our test capabilities.

In this role, your mission will be to help create and operate test infrastructure for hardware research and development, with mentorship from senior engineers along the way. You’ll see firsthand how new designs are rigorously tested to meet quality and performance targets before they’re integrated into the aircraft. You embody the test-like-you-fly philosophy.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:Help design test stands, fixtures, and supporting hardware to enable new test capabilities

Support development of test plans, instrumentation schemes, and data collection methods that capture high-quality, decision-driving data

Create and update documentation, including P&IDs, electrical schematics, and test procedures, while working with stakeholders to make sure stand requirements are met

Assist with fabrication, assembly, and activation of test stands and fixtures

Support test operations, including setup, instrumentation, execution, and teardown

Analyze test data and compare results with analytical models or simulations

Help troubleshoot test facility problems and find ways to improve test throughput and reliability

Own a scoped project through the summer and present your results to the team at the end of the internship

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline

Club, project, research, or internship hands-on experience with fluidic, mechanical, or electrical systems

Exposure to instrumentation and test hardware (pressure transducers, thermocouples, load cells, relays, solenoids, pneumatics)

Familiarity with CAD and the ability to design simple test hardware, fixtures, or modifications

Experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for data analysis

Exposure to data acquisition systems (e.g., LabVIEW, NI hardware) is a plus

Hands-on fabrication skills (machining, wiring, soldering, plumbing) are a plus

Respect for safety when working around pressurized systems, flammables, and high voltage

Attentive to detail and committed to a high level of quality in all work

Flexibility to work in a fast-paced environment

Available for a full-time, in-person internship in San Francisco during Summer 2027 (approximately 10–12 weeks)

PERKS & BENEFITS:Competitive hourly pay

Hands-on mentorship from experienced engineers

Company-funded perks, including team lunches, game nights, and other activities

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:At Astro Mechanica, we highly value in-office work to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. We consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee’s role.

Astro Mechanica is an equal opportunity employer. We proudly recruit and hire a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.