Propulsion Development Engineering Intern - Benchmark Space Systems

Job Purpose and Primary Objectives:

Benchmark Space Systems is looking for a Propulsion Development Engineering Intern to join our team for the summer of 2025.

In this role, you will work closely with engineers and chemists to design, build, and test technologies supporting the next-generation of in-space propulsion products for small satellites. Interns will gain valuable knowledge in industry best practices, propulsion engineering and propellant chemistry, use of engineering software, and documenting and presenting engineering results.

This internship is onsite at our Pleasanton, CA location.

About Benchmark:

Benchmark designs and produces propulsion systems that maneuver small satellites between low earth orbit and the moon. These systems utilize non-toxic propellants to provide thrust to transfer to a specific orbit, maintain position, avoid collisions, and a range of other applications. These capabilities enable activities such as on-orbit refueling, in-space manufacturing, re-entry, and more. True to its Vermont roots and values, Benchmark's mission is to keep space accessible and sustainable for generations to come, and to enrich Vermont's growing tech sector.

Benchmark has built a world-class team of engineers and business development professionals with offices on the shores of Lake Champlain, in Silicon Valley, and the United Kingdom.

Measurements of Success/Primary Job Responsibilities:

At its core, Benchmark is an entrepreneurial, fast paced organization. In this environment, we need all employees to solve problems, not be afraid to ask questions and be able to work with and help colleagues in different departments and positions by digging in and working on other tasks as needed/assigned depending on business needs. With that said, there are primary job responsibilities and measurements of success for this position, which are:

• Design hardware, including first-principle mechanical and thermofluidic hand calculations, CAD design, and drawing production.
• Design test articles, plans and procedures to answer specific test questions.
• Carry out hardware tests; compile and interpret results and use them to inform future design work.
• Work with the team to carry out hotfire and other test operations.
• Execute on hardware designs, including assisting with sourcing, procurement, and manufacturing.
• Carry out more detailed analysis, producing analysis tools for the team or answering specific questions in the fields of catalysis, mechanical response, heat transfer and fluid dynamics.
• Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests.
• Develop expertise in subfields of propulsion component design and share with the team.

Education and/or Experience:

• Candidates must be enrolled in an accredited college or university and seeking a degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a similar degree.  
• Previous internship or research experience in the space industry is a plus but not required.
• U.S. Person Required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

What you bring to the position, or have the ability to swiftly learn and be successful in:

• Ability to perform first order analysis of thermal and mechanical performance.
• Hands-on experience or working knowledge of sizing, analyzing, and operating fluid systems.
• Experience with a 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, Creo, Fusion 360 or other.
• Basic understanding of GD&T, manufacturing methods, and design for manufacturing best principles.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary and geographically dispersed team.
• Uses effective written, visual presentation, and oral strategies to communicate technical problems and concepts to a range of technical and non-technical audiences.
• Design and fabricate experimental apparatus to run a variety of physical tests.

What makes you stand out:

• Previous internship or research experience related to chemical propulsion or small satellite technologies.
• Aerospace, rocketry, or other engineering club experience.
• Experience working on a project that produced flight hardware.

Benefits:

• Interns will be matched with a mentor in chosen area of interest/study.
• All interns work directly with multiple engineers and will participate in projects.
• Flexible scheduling.
• Housing assistance available for out-of-state candidates.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

While performing duties of this job, the employee is predominately functioning in a sedentary light office position with high frequency of telephone communication, keyboarding, and computer. Work with hazardous chemicals in a laboratory or lifting up to 20lbs may be required.

Benchmark Space Systems is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment with the best employees. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact us at careers @ benchmark-space.com