Intern - Propulsion Engineering - In-Space Propulsion

Role

Dawn Aerospace is seeking a highly motivated Propulsion Engineering Intern to join our Systems RnD Team in Delft. This is a unique opportunity to work at the cutting edge of the space industry and contribute to the development of world-leading in-space propulsion technology for small and medium-sized satellites. 

In this role, you will support the experimental characterization of a small spacecraft propulsion system. The internship focuses on hot-fire performance testing across the thruster operating envelope. 

Working closely with experienced propulsion and test engineers, you will contribute to test planning, execution, data analysis, and reporting. The role provides hands-on exposure to propulsion hardware, test facilities, and real engineering decision-making in a space-hardware environment. If you’re proactive, technically curious, and excited to learn in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, we’d love to hear from you. 

Responsibilities 

• Perform system-level hot-fire propulsion tests  

• Support test setup, instrumentation, and sensor integration 

• Collect, process, and analyse experimental test data 

• Characterise: 

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  • Operating limits and constraints 
  
  
  
  

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  • System performance across the operating envelope 
  
  
  
  

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  • Contribute to identification of system limitations and margins 
  
  
  
  

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  • Thermal behaviour and heating capability 
  
  
  
  

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  • Compare system and component level data 
  
  
  
  

• Document your work and communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences 

Required Qualifications 

• Currently enrolled in, or recently completed, a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in: 

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  • Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering or a closely related discipline 
  
  
  
  

• Solid academic understanding of: 

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  • Heat transfer and thermodynamics 
  
  
  
  

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  • Fluid mechanics 
  
  
  
  

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  • Basic propulsion principles 
  
  
  
  

• Practical experience with lab work, integration, or hands-on prototyping 

• Strong problem-solving, organizational and communication skills 

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively  

Preferred Qualifications 

• Familiarity with basic test instrumentation and data acquisition 

• Exposure to: 

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  • Thermal vacuum or environmental testing 
  
  
  
  

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  • Propulsion systems (chemical or electric) 
  
  
  
  

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  • Pressure systems or fluid handling 
  
  
  
  

• Data analysis using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools 

• Experience working with sensors (thermocouples, RTDs, pressure transducers) 

• Experience writing technical reports or lab documentation 

About Dawn Aerospace 

Dawn Aerospace is a space transportation company with a purpose. 

Our mission is to enable the next generation of space users by providing more sustainable and scalable ways to access and move around in space. We believe this access, in the form of a transportation network, will fundamentally change what’s possible from space. We currently focus on two areas of space transportation: 

• In-space propulsion 

We're a leading supplier of turnkey green propulsion systems for various classes of satellites. Our systems utilise safe, accessible propellants and we have over 170 of these propulsion units on more than 40 operational satellites already. A further 200 units are in production. 

• In-space servicing
  

Coupled with our propulsion expertise, we are ensuring that our customers' satellites are refuellable. In the coming years, Dawn will offer a refueling service to enable life extension of customer satellites. This new market is aligned with our sustainability goal to ensue a clean and safe space for everyone!  

• Spaceplane 

Our Mk-II Aurora spaceplane demonstrator has completed over 60 successful flights and we recently completed campaigns utilizing our in-house rocket engine. Mk-II is unique in that it combines the performance of a rocket and the rapid reusability and economic model of an aircraft. 

Our international teams are distributed across four locations: the Netherlands, France, New Zealand, and the USA. 

Important!

If you think you have what it takes but are unsure that you check every box, we still want to hear from you.

To all recruitment agencies: Dawn Aerospace does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our job’s alias, our employees, or any other company location. Dawn Aerospace will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.