Avionics Systems/Test Engineering Intern – Summer 2026

K2 Space is building large, high-powered spacecraft for the next generation of space development. Backed by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Altimeter Capital, and many others ($200M raised to date), we intend to mass produce the highest-powered satellite platforms ever built for missions across LEO to Deep Space. 

The rise of launch vehicles like Falcon 9 and Starship enables the move from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance. We believe this new era requires spacecraft with a fundamentally different design in order to fully utilize the massive rockets coming to market.  

We’re a team that believes the future lies in building large, high-powered satellites that can handle multiple orbits. This is a necessity if we ever want to develop the solar system, and become a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization.  

If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a groundbreaking Series B space startup, we’d love for you to apply. 

The Role 

We’re looking for a stellar Avionics Systems/Test Engineering Intern to join our team for a 3 month internship. Working closely with our engineers, you will be responsible for system design, analysis, testing and integration of avionics on some of the largest, most powerful, rapidly designed and manufactured satellites. You will work hands-on with novel avionics interfacing, harnessing, instrumentation, RF components, and GNC actuators used across the satellite, while getting exposure to other subsystems within the engineering organization. K2 Space is a highly collaborative environment, and our interns will be encouraged to work with mentors and other team members to execute complex projects. 

Responsibilities 

• Serve as Responsible Engineer for avionics system design, performance, hardware, and test across the satellite bus 

• Collaborate closely within the cross functional Engineering teams to capture requirements, lead design trades, build avionics test systems, and integrate flight hardware into the spacecraft  

• Create and update technical documentation including system and test asset diagrams, schematics, interface control documents, procedures, and test/anomaly reports 

• Design, build, and program automated test stands for avionics hardware 

• Execute avionics component and system testing on flight hardware through development, acceptance, qualification, and integration testing 

• Support spacecraft integration testing, production issue dispositions, troubleshooting failures, and managing overall spacecraft risk 

• Design, develop and build avionics production infrastructure 

• Write modular and reusable test, analysis, and automation software in Python and Rust 

• Effectively manage and communicate project plan, milestones, and schedule execution 

Qualifications 

• Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in electrical or computer engineering  

• 6+ months experience of technical engineering skills outside of the university setting classroom (eg: laboratory, research, extracurricular project teams, volunteering, personal projects or prior internship/work experience) 

Additional Requirements 

• Available for a minimum 12-week internship in person at our HQ in Torrance 

Nice to Have 

• Ability to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers