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Vehicle Testing Internship Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Avionics Systems Engineer (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

Support vehicle pad and flight operations as avionics operator responsible for evaluating vehicle ... testing (internship and collegiate extracurricular engineering project experience will be ...

SpaceX

Avionics Systems Engineer (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

Support vehicle pad and flight operations as avionics operator responsible for evaluating vehicle ... testing (internship and collegiate extracurricular engineering project experience will be ...

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Vehicle Testing Internship information

What is a Vehicle Testing Internship?

A Vehicle Testing Internship is a temporary position where students or recent graduates gain hands-on experience in evaluating the performance, safety, and reliability of vehicles. Interns assist engineers and technicians with various tests, such as crash tests, emissions testing, and road performance analysis. These internships provide valuable exposure to automotive engineering practices and are often a stepping stone to full-time roles in the automotive industry. Interns learn to use specialized testing equipment, collect and analyze data, and contribute to product development and improvement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Vehicle Testing Intern, and why are they important?

To excel as a Vehicle Testing Intern, you generally need a background in automotive engineering or a related field, strong analytical skills, and basic knowledge of vehicle systems. Familiarity with data acquisition tools, diagnostic software, and laboratory testing equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork set standout interns apart. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accurate testing, reliable data, and safe, efficient collaboration in vehicle development projects.

What are some typical projects or tasks a Vehicle Testing Intern might work on during their internship?

As a Vehicle Testing Intern, you can expect to be involved in hands-on tasks such as assisting with vehicle performance tests, collecting and analyzing data from various sensors, and supporting engineers in troubleshooting and documenting test results. Interns often help prepare vehicles for testing, monitor test procedures, and contribute to the post-test analysis and reporting. This role provides a great opportunity to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, technicians, and data analysts, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the vehicle development and testing process.
What are the most commonly searched types of Vehicle Testing jobs in California? The most popular types of Vehicle Testing jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Vehicle Testing Internship jobs in California? For Vehicle Testing Internship jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Vehicle Testing Internship jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Vehicle Testing Internship jobs in California are:
Vehicle Testing Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vehicle Testing Internship job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution.
Vehicle Integration and Test Internship - Fall 2026

Vehicle Integration and Test Internship - Fall 2026

Varda Space Industries

El Segundo, CA

$33/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

About This Role 

Fall internships will range between the months of August and December. All dates dependent upon the university schedule of the selected students. Internships are full-time and on-site in Los Angeles, CA. To be considered for this internship, candidates must be actively enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program. 

The Vehicle Integration & Test team at Varda is responsible for the assembly, integration, and verification of our spacecraft and reentry systems. Interns on this team play a critical role in bridging the gap between design and flight, gaining hands-on experience with flight hardware, test operations, and real-time problem solving. Whether you're building test equipment, assembling mechanical systems, or running spacecraft-level checks, you'll be directly contributing to mission success.

Internships at Varda are optimal for students looking to grow technically and professionally while working on impactful projects critical to the company's success. You will be working on a collaborative team in a startup environment while being able to learn from some of most accomplished and experienced aerospace professionals in the world. We're dedicated to providing an experience that will let your decisions and contributions help drive Varda's success.

Responsibilities
  • Own or contribute to hardware or software design to support development of Spacecraft or payload 
  • Develop and support system test campaigns
  • Perform necessary analysis to support development and verification efforts 
Basic Qualifications
  • Hands-on experience in any engineering discipline
  • Modeling/Assembly CAD experience
Preferred Skills And Experience 
  • Previous internship or co-op experience 
  • Previous experience on technical project teams (i.e. Rocket club, formula SAE, etc.)
  • Python
 Candidate Profiles

Successful candidates often fall into one of the following technical profiles, though responsibilities may overlap depending on project needs.

Avionics / Electrical Systems

  • Develop and interpret wiring schematics and harnessing
  • Support spacecraft electrical integration
  • Assist with avionics hardware testing and troubleshooting

Propulsion / Ground Test Engineering

  • Support propulsion system build and operation
  • Design ground support equipment (GSE) and develop propulsion test plans
  • Assist in executing and documenting hardware test campaigns

Software / Test Automation

  • Develop Python-based tools and user interfaces for test operations
  • Support test automation and data collection systems
  • Build software utilities to improve hardware testing workflows
Projects You May Work On

Intern projects will be tailored to company needs and student skillsets closer to the start date. Typical projects include:

  • Procedure generation to build and test spacecraft
  • Ground Support Equipment (GSE) design
  • Test development and execution
  • Flight hardware upgrades and modifications
  • Automating vehicle testing and data review
Compensation
  • Hourly Rate: $33.00
  • Housing stipend for interns relocating to the area
  • Commuter benefit to support local transportation

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