About the role#
Impulse Space is looking for an Opto-Mechanical Engineering Intern to help build precision optical systems for spacecraft. You will work on the mechanical design of optical assemblies, telescope structures, lens barrels, detector mounts, mirror mounts, baffles, pointing mechanisms, and alignment hardware. Your goal is to turn optical concepts into flight hardware that remains stable through launch and on-orbit environments.
What you'll do#
Depending on your experience, you will support, own, or lead the design of opto-mechanical assemblies. You will take these projects through the full lifecycle, including early architecture, detailed design, build, test, and flight qualification.
What you'll need#
- Strong mechanical design fundamentals.
- Hands-on hardware experience.
- An interest in the intersection of optics, precision mechanisms, spacecraft environments, and production-ready flight hardware.
- Pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
Location & details#
- Location: Redondo Beach, California.
- Work modality: On-site.
- Term: Summer 2027 (12 weeks, starting May or June 2027).
- Employment: Full-time, paid internship.
- Note: Sponsorship is not provided for this role.
About Impulse Space
Impulse Space operates in the defense and space manufacturing sector. The company builds space vehicles to provide transportation services for in-space mobility. It was founded in 2021 by Tom Mueller. The firm is based in Redondo Beach, California and employs between 201 and 500 people.
How to get in at Impulse Space
Applying early to Impulse Space gives you a significant advantage because recruiters review applications as they arrive. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, which helps you apply among the first before the pile grows. You should aim to be one of the first candidates in the queue to ensure your resume gets a look. Reaching out to the right person often beats waiting for a response from a general portal. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles so you can contact them directly to ask about the position or a referral. This approach often improves your response rates compared to submitting an application without any prior connection.


