Propulsion Development Engineering Intern
About The Position
Benchmark Space Systems is seeking a Propulsion Development Engineering Intern for summer 2027. The intern will work closely with engineers and chemists to design, build, and test technologies supporting next-generation in-space propulsion products for small satellites and other missions. The internship provides exposure to industry best practices, propulsion engineering and propellant chemistry, engineering software, and the documentation and presentation of engineering results. The role is onsite at the company’s Pleasanton, California location. Benchmark Space Systems develops in-space propulsion technologies that enable satellites to maneuver, avoid collisions, and maximize mission potential. The company describes its work as contributing to a safer and more sustainable space environment. Its teams develop solutions for government and commercial customers. The position calls for an entrepreneurial, collaborative approach in a fast-paced organization. The intern is expected to solve problems, ask questions, support colleagues across departments, and take on other tasks as business needs require. Applicants must be enrolled at an accredited college or university and pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a similar field. Due to export-control requirements, applicants must qualify as a U.S. Person; visa sponsorship is not available now or in the future.
Requirements
- Be enrolled in an accredited college or university and pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a similar field.
- Qualify as a U.S. Person under U.S. export-control laws; visa sponsorship is not available now or in the future.
- Be able to perform first-order analysis of fluidic, thermal, and mechanical performance.
- Have hands-on experience or working knowledge of sizing, analyzing, and operating fluid systems.
- Have experience with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, Creo, or Fusion 360, or equivalent software.
- Have a basic understanding of GD&T, manufacturing methods, and design-for-manufacturing principles.
- Be able to collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary and geographically dispersed team.
- Communicate technical problems and concepts effectively in writing, visual presentations, and orally to technical and non-technical audiences.
Nice To Haves
- Previous internship or research experience in the space industry.
- Previous internship or research experience related to chemical propulsion or small satellite technologies.
- Previous experience with hazardous or pressurized fluid systems.
- Aerospace, rocketry, or other engineering club experience.
- Experience on a hardware project that resulted in physical deliverables.
Responsibilities
- Design hardware using first-principles mechanical and thermofluidic calculations, CAD, and production drawings.
- Design test articles, plans, and procedures to answer specific test questions.
- Conduct hardware tests, compile and interpret results, and use findings to guide future design work.
- Work with the team to carry out hotfire and other test operations.
- Assist with sourcing, procurement, and manufacturing to execute hardware designs.
- Perform detailed analysis and produce analysis tools or answer questions in catalysis, mechanical response, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics.
- Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests.
- Develop expertise in propulsion component design subfields and share that expertise with the team.
- Collaborate with colleagues across departments and take on additional tasks as needed to meet business needs.
Benefits
- Interns are matched with a mentor in their chosen area of interest or study.
- Interns work directly with multiple engineers and participate in projects.
- Flexible scheduling.
- Housing assistance is available for out-of-state candidates.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
