Mechanical Engineering Intern (2027 Summer Internship)

Northwoodspace
Torrance, CA
On-siteCareer-pivot friendly

Who this role is best for

Mechanical engineering students with CAD experience and an interest in space infrastructure will find this hands-on, collaborative role ideal for gaining exposure to global deployment and interdisciplinary projects.

Best fit for

  • Mechanical engineering undergrads with CAD proficiency and a passion for space technology
    — “Current enrollment in a Bachelor’s degree program in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
  • Students who value solving complex challenges and seeing their work have global impact
    — “If you like solving complex challenges and seeing your work deployed around the world with real impact, Northwood is the place to do it.

Things to consider

  • U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required due to ITAR export regulations
    — “To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) [REDACTED] 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.
  • The role demands a strong interest in manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability
    — “Strong interest in manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability.

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with Siemens NX or similar CAD tools in your resume and interview
    — “Experience with Siemens NX for 3D modeling, assembly, and drafting.
  • Emphasize any prior work on environmental or reliability testing of mechanical systems
    — “Basic knowledge of environmental and reliability testing procedures for mechanical systems.
  • Showcase examples of past collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in your application
    — “You will work closely with RF engineers, electrical engineers, manufacturing engineers, and software engineers under the guidance of senior team members.
  • Demonstrate your ability to incorporate feedback during design reviews
    — “Participate in design reviews, providing input and incorporating feedback to meet design objectives.
  • Mention any familiarity with thermal simulation tools like ANSYS in your resume
    — “Familiarity with mechanical/thermal simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS).
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Individual

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • designing components for ground station antennas
  • participating in design reviews
Typical background
current enrollment in a Mechanical Engineering program

Skills & requirements

Required

Mechanical Design PrinciplesCAD SoftwareCollaboration With Cross-functional Teams

Preferred

Siemens NXAnsysRF Systems Knowledge

Stack & domain

Mechanical DesignStructuresSystemsToolingTest FixturesWeldmentsRF EngineeringElectrical EngineeringManufacturing EngineeringSoftware EngineeringSiemens NXSolidworksCAD3D ModelingDraftingManufacturing ProcessesDesign For ManufacturabilityThermal ManagementMaterials SelectionStructural AnalysisEnvironmental And Reliability TestingMechanical/thermal SimulationAnsysElectrical SystemsRF SystemsProblem-solvingTeamworkCommunicationLeadershipAdaptabilityCreativityLearningMechanical EngineeringSatellite Ground StationsCommunications TechnologySpace InfrastructurePhased Array Ground StationsReal-time CommunicationDisaster ResponseNational SecurityGlobal ConnectivitySatellite Missions

About the role

Original posting from Northwoodspace via Ashby

Northwood is a modern space infrastructure company bringing the benefits of space to the masses through advanced communications technology. We are building a global network of phased array ground stations that enable real-time, reliable communication for satellite missions such as national security, global connectivity, and disaster response. With a vertically integrated approach, Northwood designs, builds, and rapidly deploys scalable systems that power the next generation of space missions. If you like solving complex challenges and seeing your work deployed around the world with real impact, Northwood is the place to do it.

Role

Northwood is seeking a motivated Mechanical Design Engineer Intern to join our dynamic team, assisting in the design of structures, systems, tooling, and other products for our ground station antennas. This internship will provide hands-on experience in designing and developing hardware that will be deployed globally, as well as fabrication and assembly tooling, test fixtures, and more. You will work closely with RF engineers, electrical engineers, manufacturing engineers, and software engineers under the guidance of senior team members.

Responsibilities

  • Assist in designing components for product lines, structures, mechanisms, environmental systems, and ground support equipment (GSE) for satellite ground stations, focusing on performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
  • Contribute to the design of tooling for fabrication and assembly processes, including test fixtures and weldments.
  • Collaborate with RF, electrical, and manufacturing teams to support system requirements and integration of designs and hardware.
  • Participate in design reviews, providing input and incorporating feedback to meet design objectives.
  • Assist in ensuring compliance with industry standards, regulations, and best practices in mechanical, thermal, and environmental design.

Basic Qualifications

  • Current enrollment in a Bachelor’s degree program in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
  • Basic understanding of mechanical design principles, including thermal management, materials selection, and structural analysis.
  • Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., Siemens NX, SolidWorks, or similar) for 3D modeling and drafting.
  • Strong interest in manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability.
  • Enthusiasm for learning and contributing to innovative hardware projects.

Preferred Skills

  • Experience with Siemens NX for 3D modeling, assembly, and drafting.
  • Basic knowledge of environmental and reliability testing procedures for mechanical systems.
  • Exposure to weldments, tooling, GSE, or fixture design and assembly.
  • Familiarity with mechanical/thermal simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS).
  • Basic understanding of electrical or RF systems to support a holistic approach to system design.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and eagerness to learn from experienced engineers.

Additional Information:

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you 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.

Northwood Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Northwood Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Source: Northwoodspace careers (Ashby)

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