Mechanical Engineer Intern

Before any spacecraft goes into space, its Centre of Gravity (COG) must be known with high accuracy. This is essential input for both the launch provider and our Attitude and Orbit Control Systems (AOCS) engineers.

Within the MS&E team, you will work on the design and realization of a new, accurate and easy-to-use COG measurement jig for small satellites. The current setup uses a scale and levelling plateau, but introduces several risks and limitations. Your challenge is to translate the needs of the stakeholders into a robust mechanical solution that can measure spacecraft COG accurately, easily and reliably in a single setup.

You will work full-time alongside experienced mechanical and space systems engineers and will be involved in the complete process: from requirements and concept design up to prototyping, testing and documentation.

Specific tasks and responsibilities include:

• Analyse the current COG measurement method and identify its main risks and limitations.

• Collect and structure requirements from internal stakeholders (AOCS, systems engineering, test engineers).

• Translate functional requirements into mechanical design constraints and performance targets.

• Develop and compare multiple mechanical concepts for a new COG measurement jig.

• Create detailed 3D CAD models and 2D drawings for manufacturing.

• Support procurement and follow-up with internal workshop or external suppliers.

• Participate in assembly, integration and functional testing of the new jig using representative spacecraft hardware or mock-ups.

• Define and document the measurement procedure, including calibration steps and uncertainty considerations.

• Prepare technical reports and present your findings to the MS&E team and other stakeholders.

• You are currently enrolled in a BSc or MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics or a closely related field.

• You are available full-time (40 hours per week) for an internship, preferably starting in Q1 2026.

• Solid understanding of mechanics (statics, dynamics), strength of materials and basic machine design.

• Experience with 3D CAD software (e.g. CREO, SolidWorks, or Inventor).

• Affinity with precision mechanics, test setups and/or metrology.

• Hands-on attitude: you enjoy building, testing and iterating in the lab.

• Good communication skills in English, both spoken and written.

• Proactive, structured, and able to work independently as well as in a multidisciplinary team.

Bonus points if you also bring

• Experience designing jigs, fixtures, or test equipment for measurement setups.

• Knowledge of tolerance analysis, error budgeting or FEM analysis.

• Programming experience (e.g. MATLAB or Python) for data processing and test automation.

• Prior involvement in a student engineering team (e.g. CubeSat, robotics, Formula Student) or other relevant practical projects.