Manufacturing Test Engineering Intern - GNC
About The Position
Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you’re not just part of the system – you’re a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation’s defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you’re driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you’ll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let’s redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond! Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Test Engineering Intern to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead - GNC the Manufacturing Test Engineering Intern will work hands‑on in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment, helping develop an automated thermal rate testing fixture used to characterize key flight hardware. This role is ideal for students interested in test engineering, hardware automation, and learning how high‑rate aerospace production systems are built and validated. Project Overview During this internship, you will complete a capstone project centered on bringing up a thermal rate table test system for detailed characterization of module‑level production hardware. This project is designed to challenge the intern across multiple engineering disciplines—software, mechanical, electrical, and test development—and will culminate in a final presentation at the conclusion of the program. Project Challenge Design and develop an automated test setup that integrates thermal control, rotational motion, and sensor characterization workflows. Evaluate and understand the various engineering constraints involved in building a reliable, repeatable test station for high‑rate production. End Goal Deliver a fully functioning automated thermal rate testing fixture used to verify the performance of sensors on gyro modules and coarse sensor modules during production. Document the setup, testing procedures, and qualification results. What You Will Learn Programming and automating laboratory test equipment Developing and debugging automated test scripts Designing simple mechanical fixturing and supporting 3D printing workflows Validating and qualifying production test systems Hands‑on experience with test stations, chambers, sensors, and standard EE lab equipment
Requirements
- Currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
- Able to work full time, onsite in Irvine, CA for 8 – 12 weeks starting in June 2026 (no relocation stipend, must be local).
- Basic experience with Python programming.
- Interest in test automation, hardware bring‑up, and working with laboratory equipment.
- Willingness to work hands‑on with test stations, sensors, and production hardware.
- U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance.
Nice To Haves
- Experience programming or controlling lab test equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, motor controllers, thermal chambers).
- Familiarity with mechanical CAD tools or 3D printing workflows.
- Prior exposure to EE lab tools such as power supplies, function generators, DMMs, or data acquisition hardware.
Responsibilities
- Develop Python scripts to control rate station rotation speeds and automate thermal chamber setpoints.
- Support planning of the test setup, including equipment needs, mechanical fixturing, and material procurement.
- Collaborate with the engineering and leadership teams to design, print, fabricate, or order components for the test system.
- Assemble and bring up the thermal rate testing station, ensuring proper integration of hardware and automation scripts.
- Execute full system verification runs, document test procedures, and prepare materials for production readiness.
- Work hands-on in the engineering lab under guidance from mentors, ensuring safe and proper use of lab equipment.
Benefits
- 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
- 401(k) Match
- Flexible Time Off (FTO)
- Education Reimbursement
- Competitive Paid Parental Leave
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
