Internship Systems Engineering Space Propulsion (F/M/X)

Your Main Responsibilities

At ISPTech, we’re shaping the future of space propulsion. As a propulsion systems engineering intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge projects that push the boundaries of technology for CubeSats and SmallSats. You will take ownership of full subsystems from initial fluid schematic design to detailed CAD modelling and structural evaluation. You’ll work alongside experienced engineers, contribute to real missions, and learn what it takes to deliver reliable propulsion systems for space applications.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Create a Phase 0/A design study of a propulsion system: Use Space Systems Engineering principles to create a complete propulsion system considering cross-subsystem topics.
• Fluid System Architecture & P&IDs: Derive and conduct fluidic system architecture tradeoffs, create and maintain Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Mechanical Design & CAD: Conduct mechanical design tradeoffs, model system components and assemblies, and make technical drawings.
• Component Selection & Specification: Trade, size, and specify critical fluid system and mechanical hardware, including tanks, control valves, and temperature sensors.
• Structural Design & Analysis: Conduct preliminary structural hand calculations to verify hardware integrity under launch loads, vibration, and thermal environments.
• Electrical & Instrumentation Interfacing: Work with the Avionics team to define and design electrical interfaces for propulsion components, specifying wire harnesses, connector types, and pinouts for power, telemetry, and command and control.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Coordinate with manufacturing, test, and system safety teams to ensure designs meet assembly, testing, and operational constraints.

Your Qualification

• Studying aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, systems engineering or a related field
• Good understanding of the thermodynamic and fluidic behaviour of propellants
• Proficiency in mechanical design and CAD software (e.g. Fusion, NX, CATIA, or similar) and a foundational understanding of engineering drawings
• Familiarity with fluid system schematics (P&IDs) and common fluidic/pneumatic hardware components
• Familiarity with working across multiple space subsystems
• Proactive, self-directed working style, able to manage complex tasks independently and in a structured way
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for technical documentation and design reviews
• Fluent in English; German is a plus
• Ideally: Experience working in a student (rocketry or satellite) team

Our Benefits

• An exciting work environment encompassing the whole process from the development, building, and launch of space propulsion systems
• Flexible working time
• Combination of working in the office, at home, and on the go
• Professional skills development through a broad base of responsibilities and freedom
• Engage directly and actively participate in the end-to-end development processes of an expanding NewSpace start-up

About us

Space business is booming: the space market is growing rapidly, new market segments are opening, and disruptive changes are taking place. As consequence of this rapid growth, the number of satellites and spacecraft is strongly increasing – and each spacecraft needs a propulsion system to perform its specific task.

Here ISPTech’s propulsion technologies come into the play. Based on more than 10 years of research and development work at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), ISPTech’s founders developed propulsion technologies that work with green (non-toxic) propellants. Our propulsion systems are characterized by a high efficiency, reliability and allow significant cost reductions.

By using these advanced propulsion technologies, ISPTech will satisfy the desperate demand for affordable, green and robust propulsion technologies and propel the whole Space ecosystem.

ISPTech’s relevance for the NewSpace market is backed by renowned deep tech investors (HTGF, Join Captial, Faber VC, First Momentum, Possible Ventures and others). We recently closed a €5.5M seed round.