Summer Intern, Systems Engineering

As a Systems Engineer Intern supporting the Wind Tunnel Project and other systems engineering tasks, you will work directly with cross-functional engineering teams to develop, integrate, and validate a next-generation aerodynamic testing capability that advances LTA’s mission to revitalize and revolutionize rigid airships. This role emphasizes system-level thinking, interdisciplinary coordination, and technical rigor across mechanical, electrical, controls, instrumentation, and data acquisition domains.

The preferred candidate is an experienced student who demonstrates ownership of complex technical problems, structured systems thinking, and strong collaboration skills while learning from feedback in a rapidly evolving R&D environment. In addition to strong technical aptitude, we seek positivity under challenging conditions, eagerness to collaborate across disciplines, and commitment to LTA’s Vision and Guiding Principles.

Job Responsibilities: :
• Support the definition, development, and integration of wind tunnel system architecture, including mechanical structures, instrumentation, controls, and data acquisition systems.
• Assist in requirements development, system decomposition, interface definition, and traceability across subsystems.
• Contribute to trade studies, analytical modeling, and performance assessments to support design decisions.
• Develop and maintain system-level documentation including requirements documents, interface control documents (ICDs), verification plans, and test procedures.
• Coordinate across engineering disciplines to ensure subsystem compatibility, integration readiness, and risk mitigation.
• Support integration, troubleshooting, and validation testing of wind tunnel hardware and instrumentation systems.
• Communicate technical progress, risks, and system impacts clearly to stakeholders through written documentation and presentations.
• Participate in test planning, execution, data review, and verification of system performance against requirements.

Qualifications:
• Pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Demonstrated understanding of systems engineering principles, including requirements development, verification, and validation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to evaluate multi-disciplinary technical challenges.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills in a technical engineering environment.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience supporting hardware integration, test campaigns, or laboratory-based engineering projects.
• Familiarity with instrumentation systems, sensors, controls, or data acquisition systems.
• Exposure to aerodynamic testing, wind tunnel operations, or fluid dynamics principles.
• Experience with requirements management tools, configuration control, or technical documentation processes.
• Programming or scripting experience (e.g., MATLAB, Python) for data analysis.
• Experience in a fast-paced R&D or iterative engineering development environment.

What We Offer!:
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~75% for dependents)
• Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurance
• Parental leave
• Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
• Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
• Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields

LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.

Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.