Avionics Integration & Test Engineering Intern (Summer 2026)

Second Order Effects • El Segundo, CA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

As an Avionics Integration & Test Engineering Intern, you will gain hands-on experience supporting the integration, verification, and validation of avionics hardware and software systems for customer-facing projects. In this role, you will contribute across the full test lifecycle: building and configuring test racks and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) setups, to executing test campaigns, documenting results, and writing automation to improve test infrastructure. Whether you're wiring up a new test bench, debugging an interface failure, or writing a test procedure from scratch, you'll be making real contributions to complex avionics systems. This internship is designed to accelerate your technical growth, giving you the chance to build a strong foundation in systems integration and test engineering while making an immediate impact.

Requirements

• Current enrollment in college (Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field)
• Programming experience with Python or another object-oriented language, including writing maintainable, readable code for test or instrumentation applications
• Basic knowledge of electrical circuits, signals, and electronics fundamentals
• Familiarity with avionics interfaces or communication protocols (e.g., UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, MIL-STD-1553, or similar)
• Strong attention to detail when handling flight hardware, test equipment, and technical documentation
• Curiosity and drive to learn in a fast-paced, hardware-forward environment; comfort taking instruction and asking questions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to document test results, write clear procedures, and communicate findings to engineers
• Applicants must be able to commit to a 12-to-16 week internship over the summer
• Applicant must be willing to work 40 hours a week on-site in El Segundo, California, USA
• Applicant must be eligible to work on export controlled projects

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a team-based design and build project (e.g., CubeSat, Formula SAE, Rover Challenge, rocketry, or similar)
• Familiarity with aerospace environmental testing, including thermal cycling, vibration, shock, thermal vacuum (TVAC), and EMI/EMC
• Experience with automated test systems, data logging software, or lab instruments controlled via Python
• Exposure to hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) or software-in-the-loop (SITL) test architectures
• Familiarity with avionics standards or DO-178C/DO-254 test concepts
• Experience with Linux operating systems and command-line environments
• Exposure to version control systems (e.g., Git) for managing test scripts and documentation
• Understanding of signal integrity concepts or experience using lab equipment such as oscilloscopes and logic analyzers to debug hardware interfaces

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of test tasks for avionics systems across a range of customer programs
• Work closely with a dedicated mentor who will provide technical guidance, assign projects, and support your development throughout the internship
• Build, configure, and maintain avionics test racks and benches, including hardware setup, cable routing, and interface verification
• Support hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) test environments by integrating real avionics hardware with simulation infrastructure and verifying end-to-end signal flow
• Write, review, and execute test procedures for functional, environmental, and interface testing; document results clearly and flag anomalies for engineering review
• Operate data acquisition systems and test equipment (oscilloscopes, DMMs, power supplies, thermal chambers, etc.) to capture and analyze test data

Benefits

• Salary: $70,400 annual salary, prorated for length of internship
• Flexible work hours and work from home policy
• 100% employer-paid health insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision) for employees + 50% dependent coverage
• Accrued paid time off policy, accrued sick days policy, and paid company holidays
• 401(k) retirement account and employer matching (Safe Harbor 4%)
• Housing stipend bonus
• Electric Vehicle (EV) charging ports
• Catered lunches, snacks, and accessible kitchen

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed