Quality Engineering Intern (Summer 2027)

About the role The ideal candidate is passionate about aerospace manufacturing and is detail-oriented, and eager to contribute to cutting-edge satellite technology at a fast-paced space startup. Our company is a small and fast growing startup which offers interns the experience to get direct mentorship and have real impact on our programs. As an intern, you'll collaborate with a dynamic team in a startup environment and have the chance to learn from some of the most accomplished and experienced aerospace professionals in the industry. We're committed to offering an experience where your decisions and contributions play a pivotal role in driving our success. Summer internships will range between the months of May and August depending on university schedules. Internship is full-time and is located on-site in San Jose, CA. As a Quality Control Intern you will play a key role in supporting the design, development, and manufacturing processes of our spacecraft components. You will work with engineers and quality control experts to implement quality assurance protocols, conduct inspections, and identify areas for process improvement. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in aerospace operations while contributing to the success of groundbreaking space missions. Key Responsibilities: Inspection and Testing: Assist in the inspection and testing of spacecraft components and systems to ensure they meet stringent quality and performance standards. Documentation and Reporting: Support the creation and maintenance of quality control documentation, including inspection records, test reports, and non-conformance reports. Process Improvement: Analyze manufacturing and assembly processes to identify areas where quality can be improved and help implement corrective actions. Compliance and Standards: Assist in ensuring that all processes adhere to industry standards (e.g., ISO, AS9100) and regulatory requirements specific to aerospace and spacecraft manufacturing. Data Analysis: Collect and analyze data from tests, inspections, and audits to monitor quality trends and provide insights to improve product quality. Collaboration: Work closely with engineers, project managers, and other team members to address quality issues and implement solutions that enhance the overall quality assurance process. Root Cause Analysis: Participate in root cause analysis for any identified defects or issues, assisting in the development of corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs). Requirements: Educational Background: Currently pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Physics, or a related field. Technical Skills: Knowledge of basic manufacturing and assembly processes used in aerospace engineering. Familiarity with quality control tools and techniques, including inspection methods, statistical process control (SPC), and root cause analysis. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for data management and reporting. Basic understanding of CAD software or other design tools is a plus. Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail and ability to identify small discrepancies that could have a significant impact on spacecraft performance and safety. Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze test data, identify trends, and propose and make improvements to processes or products. Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document findings clearly and present them to team members and stakeholders. Problem-Solving Mindset: Ability to approach problems analytically, contributing to continuous improvement efforts within the quality control process. Passion for Space: A strong interest in space exploration and aerospace technologies, with a commitment to ensuring the highest quality in spacecraft systems. Nice-to-have Skills Familiarity with aerospace industry standards such as AS9100, ISO 9001, or similar. Experience in a lab or manufacturing environment related to aerospace or engineering. Experience with quality management software or tools like Minitab, Qlik, or other data analysis platforms. Understanding of environmental and reliability testing for spacecraft components. Pay range Bachelor's $40/hour Master's $45/hour PhD $50/hour About Muon Space Founded in 2021, Muon Space is an end-to-end Space Systems Provider that designs, builds, and operates LEO satellite constellations delivering mission-critical data. Our revolutionary, integrated technology stack enables customers to optimize every dimension of their missions for faster time-to-orbit and superior constellation remote sensing performance. Our state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Silicon Valley is optimized for manufacturing spacecraft and rapid, flexible payload integration at scale. From climate monitoring to national security, Muon Space is dedicated to delivering Earth Intelligence for a safer and more resilient world. Taking Care of Our Team At Muon salary is only part of our total compensation package. In addition to salary, full-time employees receive equity compensation as well as benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401k retirement plan, short & long term disability and life insurance. We also offer three weeks paid vacation for new employees, along with 12 paid holidays, unlimited sick time and paid parental leave. Our mission embraces the entire planet and we believe our team should too. Muon is dedicated to creating a diverse and dynamic company and workforce. We believe in equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or gender identity. We value diversity in the workplace, and that starts with our applicants. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't check all the boxes, and we look forward to reviewing your application! In addition, if you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know. Muon is currently registered and able to hire in the following states: AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IL, IA, ID, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA ITAR/EAR Requirements This position requires access to export controlled information. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations applicable to that information, applicant must either be (A) a U.S. person, defined as a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, (B) eligible to access the export controlled information without a required export authorization, or (C) eligible and reasonably likely to obtain the required export authorization from the applicable U.S. government agency. The Company may, for legitimate business reasons, decline to pursue any export licensing process.