Manufacturing Test Engineering Intern - GNC

Terran Orbital•Irvine, CA 92612, US• Internship

Posted 1 hour ago• Avionics

Compensation

$25.00–$30.00/hour

Job Description

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

Key Duties and 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.

Required Qualifications and Skills

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.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

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.

Salary Range

Freshman/Sophomore - $25 per hour
Junior - $27.50 per hour
Senior/Graduate - $30 per hour

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!

Salary Range

$25—$30 USD

Full-time positions only:

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

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected].

Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.

And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.