Avionics Intern (Fall 2026)

Job Description

Avionics Engineer Intern (Fall 2026) | Astranis Space Technologies

The Tone:
This is an internship at Astranis Space Technologies, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, US. Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, significantly expanding humanity’s reach into the solar system by providing dedicated, secure networks. With five satellites already on orbit and many more scheduled for launch, the company services over $1 billion in commercial contracts for sophisticated customers including large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military. This role is crucial as interns are given the opportunity to do meaningful work on challenging projects, with many past interns having designed and tested hardware and software that is now heading to space.

The TL;DR
• Role: Avionics Engineer Intern (Fall 2026)
• Type: Internship
• Location: In-person, San Francisco Bay Area, California, US
• Pay: $29 hourly
• Mission: This person will contribute to the design, build, and validation of flight-ready avionics hardware and associated software for advanced satellite systems.
• Tech Stack: Python, C++, Altium Designer (or other PCB design software), SPICE-based simulators (LTSpice, PSPICE, ADS, etc), EE lab bench (power supply, oscilloscope, multimeter, etc)

What You’ll Actually Do
• Hardware Development: Collaborate with the avionics engineering team to construct and thoroughly test flight hardware destined for space.
• Test Equipment Design: Create specialized test equipment necessary to validate avionics designs across a comprehensive spectrum of stressed operational conditions.
• Debugging and Bring-up: Conduct the initial bring-up and systematic debugging of new avionics designs within a laboratory environment.
• Automation and Performance: Develop code to facilitate the evaluation of performance metrics and to automate the testing processes for critical satellite hardware.
• Software Interface: Provide support for developing low-level software that enables seamless interfacing with various spacecraft subsystems.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Master of Science (M.S.), or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or an equivalent technical field, from a four-year university.
• Experience: Demonstrated personal ability to design, build, and rigorously test hardware from inception, showcasing hands-on development expertise.
• Skills: Proficiency in programming with Python and/or C++; a strong interest in learning about, designing, and actively working with various spacecraft systems and their subsystems; and a genuine enthusiasm for hardware development, encompassing both hands-on design and iterative development processes.
• Eligibility: Required to be a US Citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) to comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations.
• Bonus: Practical experience with PCB design software such as Altium Designer, or similar platforms; familiarity with SPICE-based simulators like LTSpice, PSPICE, or ADS; comfort and proficiency with soldering and rework techniques; familiarity with standard electrical engineering lab bench equipment including power supplies, oscilloscopes, and multimeters; and an understanding of basic switched mode converter design principles, specifically boost and buck converters.