Test Engineer Intern (Fall 2026)

Saronic
Austin, US
On-siteCareer-pivot friendly

Who this role is best for

Best suited to aerospace or mechanical engineering students eager to apply academic knowledge in autonomous maritime technology through hands-on prototyping and testing.

Best fit for

  • Mechanical or aerospace engineering students with CAD and simulation experience
    — “Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
  • Candidates comfortable with hardware prototyping and embedded systems programming
    — “Contribute using hand and power tools, Arduino, and Raspberry PI programming
  • Students seeking defense tech experience with maritime autonomy applications
    — “eager to make an impact in the defense tech industry

Things to consider

  • Requires full-time in-office presence in Austin for five months
    — “This role requires full-time in office presence (40 hours/week)
  • Limited to U.S. Persons due to export control requirements
    — “This role requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status

How to stand out

  • Highlight any prior CFD or hydrodynamics simulation projects
    — “Assist in computational fluid dynamics simulations to evaluate vessel performance
  • Showcase hands-on experience with marine or robotic prototypes
    — “Participate in the testing and validation of ASV prototypes
  • Demonstrate technical report writing with sample documentation
    — “Document progress, prepare and write reports, and present findings
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · TeamLevel · Intern

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

What success looks like

  • ASV prototypes
  • vessel autonomy algorithms
  • mission-specific operational requirements
Typical background
aerospace engineeringmechanical engineeringmechatronics

Skills & requirements

Required

Hardware And Software SystemsASV Hull FormsTesting And ValidationComputational Fluid DynamicsSensor IntegrationData ProcessingMachine LearningPropulsion SystemsControl SurfacesOnboard Equipment

Preferred

Design And Simulation ToolsEngineering CalculationsSolid ModelingDrawingEngineering Report WritingData AcquisitionData AnalysisArduinoRaspberry PI Programming

Stack & domain

AsvsHardwareSoftwareHydrodynamicsCollision AvoidanceMachine LearningPropulsion SystemsControl SurfacesOnboard EquipmentEngineering CalculationsSolid ModelingDrawingEngineering Report WritingData AcquisitionData AnalysisArduinoRaspberry Pi ProgrammingTeamworkProblem-solvingCommunicationAerospace EngineeringMechanical EngineeringMechatronicsRoboticsDefense Tech

About the role

Original posting from Saronic via Ashby

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.

Job Overview

We are seeking a Test Engineer Intern who will work on designing, developing, testing, and optimizing our autonomous surface vessels. This is a hands-on experience, which will allow you to apply your academic knowledge in a real-world setting and contribute to projects that significantly impact national security and maritime innovation.

This internship is ideal for students pursuing aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, robotics, or a related field, and eager to make an impact in the defense tech industry.

Responsibilities

  • Support the design and development of hardware and software systems for ASVs
  • Support the analysis of ASV hull forms for stability, hydrodynamics, and structural integrity
  • Participate in the testing and validation of ASV prototypes and vessel autonomy algorithms, including navigation, object detection, and collision avoidance
  • Assist in computational fluid dynamics simulations to evaluate vessel performance
  • Conduct research and implement solutions for sensor integration, data processing, and machine learning applications
  • Contribute to the integration of propulsion systems, control surfaces, and onboard equipment
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and refine ASV prototypes
  • Ensure vessel designs support mission-specific operational requirements
  • Document progress, prepare and write reports, and present findings to the team
  • Support the downstream workflow of directed research, design, and build-related tasks
  • Execute engineering report writing, data acquisition, and data analysis
  • Contribute using hand and power tools, Arduino, and Raspberry PI programming

Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related field
  • Experience with design and simulation tools, such as Rhino, AutoCAD, and SolidWorks are a plus
  • Experience with engineering calculations, solid modeling, and drawing
  • Experience with engineering report writing, data acquisition, data analysis, hand and power tools, Arduino, and Raspberry PI programming
  • Preferred coursework in CAD, Machine Element Design, and Solid and Fluid Mechanics
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
  • This role requires full-time in office presence (40 hours/week) based at our headquarters in Austin, TX, from August through December

Physical Demands

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
  • Occasional standing and walking within the office
  • Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment
  • Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports
  • Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies
  • Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)

This role requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/8/1324b.

Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.

Source: Saronic careers (Ashby)

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