Mechanical Engineering Intern (Summer 2027)

Xona is the navigational intelligence company bringing real-time, centimeter-level certainty to any device, anywhere on Earth.

With Pulsar – the world’s most advanced PNT satellite infrastructure in Low Earth Orbit – Xona will offer a future-proof, backwards-compatible global positioning system optimized for absolute precision, superior power, and robust protection.

Overview

As a Mechanical Engineering Intern, you won't spend your summer observing from the sidelines. You'll own a meaningful engineering project that directly supports the development and production of spacecraft hardware while working alongside experienced mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and systems engineers.

This internship is designed for students who want to experience what it's like to build hardware at a fast-moving aerospace startup. You'll take a project from concept through implementation, working across design, analysis, fabrication, assembly, and testing. Leaving behind something that will continue to be used by the engineering team after your internship ends.

If you're excited by solving real engineering problems, learning quickly, and building hardware that matters, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Do

• Own a mechanical engineering project from initial concept through final implementation.

• Collaborate with engineers across multiple disciplines to understand design requirements and translate them into practical solutions.

• Create CAD models, manufacturing drawings, and engineering documentation.

• Perform engineering analyses to evaluate and improve design performance.

• Work with vendors and internal teams to procure fabricated and commercial components.

• Assemble, integrate, and test mechanical hardware.

• Support prototype builds, engineering reviews, and laboratory activities.

• Present your project and technical findings to the engineering organization.

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

• Expected graduation between 2027–2029.

• Experience using CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).

• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals.

• Comfortable working in a hands-on laboratory or prototype environment.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work full-time on-site in Burlingame for the duration of the internship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing and building mechanical systems through coursework, clubs, research, Formula SAE, CubeSat, robotics, or personal projects.

• Familiarity with manufacturing processes including machining, sheet metal, or additive manufacturing.

• Experience with engineering drawings and GD&T.

• Hands-on experience assembling or testing mechanical hardware.

• Passion for spacecraft, robotics, or advanced hardware development.

Why You'll Love This Internship

• Own a real engineering project with lasting impact.

• Work directly alongside experienced spacecraft engineers.

• Gain exposure to the complete engineering lifecycle - from concept through validation.

• Build hardware instead of hypothetical class projects.

• Learn what it's like to engineer products in a fast-paced startup environment.

• Present your work to engineering leadership at the conclusion of your internship.

For U.S. Roles: To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. Green Card holder), or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

For U.K. Roles: To comply with U.K. regulations, this role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, and successful candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).

For Canada Roles: Successful candidates must obtain and hold a security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.