Mechanical 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 Mechanical Engineering Intern to join our team for a 3 month internship. Working closely with our engineers, you will help develop complex structures and mechanisms for some of the largest and highest power satellites ever flown. In these projects you will apply your university knowledge to help develop space hardware in a professional setting. 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 while maintaining a significant level of ownership and autonomy. 

Responsibilities  

• Design, analyze, test, and build mechanical systems and structures 

• Own and execute on a project that significantly impacts K2’s mission with the support of a mentor 

• Use hand calculations, computational methods, and development tests to understand the physics behind your work 

• Engage with a cross-functional team to perform hardware trades relevant to your project 

• Solve real aerospace challenges by applying your knowledge from both inside and outside the classroom 

Qualifications 

• Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline 

• 6+ months of experience applying technical engineering skills outside of the university classroom setting (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 

• Experience with CAD software packages (experience can be in a professional, academic, entrepreneurial, or hobby setting) 

• Understanding of free-body diagrams, statics, and/or basic mechanics of materials 

• Experience working with mechanical hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting (High Power Rocketry, CubeSats, Robotics Competitions, Formula SAE and Baja SAE, Engineers without Borders, Design-Build-Fly, NASA student launch, personal entrepreneurial ventures, etc.) 

Compensation  

• Hourly pay range for this non-exempt role is $30 - $40 per hour  

• Hourly rate will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level 

• Housing and travel stipend may also be available 

If you don’t meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!

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

Export Compliance

As defined in the ITAR, “U.S. Persons” include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a “U.S. Person.”

The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.

Equal Opportunity

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 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.