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How much do internship astrodynamics jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship astrodynamics in the United States is $15.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on during an astrodynamics internship?

As an astrodynamics intern, you will likely work on projects involving orbit determination, trajectory analysis, and mission planning for spacecraft. Interns often assist with running simulations, analyzing satellite orbits, and working with software tools like MATLAB, STK, or GMAT. Collaboration with experienced engineers is common, and you may contribute to real-world missions by supporting design reviews or data analysis. This hands-on experience provides valuable exposure to the practical challenges of space mission design and operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Intern in Astrodynamics, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Astrodynamics Intern, you typically need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and aerospace engineering, often supported by progress toward a relevant degree. Familiarity with simulation software such as MATLAB, STK (Systems Tool Kit), and programming languages like Python or C++ is commonly required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for tackling complex orbital mechanics problems and contributing productively to research and mission planning in space-related projects.

What is the difference between Internship Astrodynamics vs Astrodynamics Engineer?

AspectInternship AstrodynamicsAstrodynamics Engineer
Required CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of aerospace, mechanical, or related engineering/science programsBachelor's or master's degree in aerospace engineering, physics, or related field; often with experience or certifications
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, often in research labs or aerospace companies, with mentorshipFull-time professional role in aerospace firms, government agencies, or research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by aerospace companies, research institutions, and universities for trainingFull-time position focused on mission design, orbital analysis, and space mission planning

Internship Astrodynamics provides students or recent graduates with hands-on experience in space mission analysis, while Astrodynamics Engineer is a full-time professional role involving advanced orbital mechanics and mission design. Internships serve as entry points, whereas engineers develop specialized expertise in the field.

What is an Internship in Astrodynamics?

An Internship in Astrodynamics is a temporary position, often for students or recent graduates, that provides hands-on experience in the field of astrodynamics—the study of the motion of artificial and natural bodies in space. Interns typically assist with tasks such as trajectory analysis, orbit determination, mission planning, and sometimes software development for space missions. These internships are commonly offered by aerospace companies, research institutions, and space agencies, giving participants a chance to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world projects. The experience helps interns build professional skills and connections in the space industry.
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SETA Engineering (Mechanical/Astrodynamics/Physics) Internship (Path to Full Time Hire)

Space Kinetic

Los Angeles, CA

$20.25 - $27.25/hr

Full-time, Internship

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

A New Paradigm for Space Operations.

Who We Are:
Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations – one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attritable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo, we are focused on creating something entirely different – an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head-on. Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures – where each satellite in a constellation has one (or a small # of) primary payloads attached to the bus -- and unlock a 'one-to-many' system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster.
This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40-hour work week. Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first-of-its-kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space

Our Intern Program:

Space Kinetic's internship program is designed to identify top early-career talent for potential full-time roles. Over the three-month program, interns are paired with a mentor, assigned one to three meaningful projects, and provide monthly progress updates to the Leadership team.

Interns who demonstrate strong performance, ownership, and alignment with Space Kinetic's mission may receive a full-time offer upon successful completion of the internship.

What You'll Do:
We are seeking a highly motivated SETA Engineering Intern to support technical research and engineering analysis efforts across mechanical systems, aerospace concepts, and astrodynamics-related projects. This role is ideal for a highly analytical aerospace student or recent graduate interested in working closely with leadership on advanced space technology concepts, engineering trades, and research activities in a fast-paced startup environment.

This role provides exposure to multidisciplinary aerospace development, including mechanical engineering support, technical research, mission analysis, and engineering coordination activities.

  • Support mechanical and aerospace engineering research activities
  • Perform highly analytical, parameter-driven analyses and develop white papers that clearly communicate findings, assumptions, methodologies, and technical recommendations.
  • Help prepare engineering summaries, technical documentation, and presentation materials
  • Support engineering coordination and follow-up across technical teams
  • Assist with analysis of engineering data, system concepts, and design approaches
  • Participate in technical discussions and engineering reviews
  • Support rapid research tasks and problem-solving activities in a startup environment
  • Support research into new mission and commercial applications by developing trade studies, pros and cons analyses, first-principles assessments, and early-stage simulations and models.

What It Takes:

  • Currently enrolled for a Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Physics degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Must be a recent college graduate OR graduate within the last semester of your program.
  • Strong background in physics and mathematics
  • Intermediate coding ability to support technical analysis, modeling, simulation, and data processing.
  • Ability to learn quickly and work independently
  • Comfortable in a fast-moving startup environment

What We'd Love:

  • Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics or a related field. Compensation will be commensurate with experience, education, and demonstrated technical depth.
  • Assist with astrodynamics analysis, technical trades, and concept evaluations
  • Perform technical research related to spacecraft systems, orbital mechanics, and space mission applications
  • Exposure to MATLAB, Python, STK, GMAT, or similar technical tools is a plus
  • Strong research and technical writing ability

Where You'll Be:

  • The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.

ITAR Requirements: 
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here

Equal Employment Opportunity:
Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

The annual base salary for this role is below. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data.  Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education/experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity. 

Pay Range
$20—$45 USD