About the role#
Wardstone builds systems to protect the United States and its allies from advanced missile threats. We design, build, and test ground and space-based hardware. As an intern, you are treated as a full engineer. You will work directly with founders and staff to influence flight hardware, run simulations, and participate in field tests.
What you'll do#
Your specific tasks depend on your background and interests. You may contribute to:
- Physics-based simulation and modeling, including orbital mechanics, intercept dynamics, and guidance and control.
- Hardware prototyping and testing across mechanical, electrical, propulsion, and sensing systems.
- Embedded software, controls, or autonomy.
- Sensor systems, perception, and tracking.
- Data analysis from test campaigns.
- System-level trade studies and design reviews.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a degree program for engineering, physics, or a related technical field.
- Demonstrated delivery on previous extracurricular engineering projects.
- Experience with MATLAB or Python for modeling and data analytics.
- A curious, self-directed approach to work.
- US Citizenship is required.
We also value experience with controls, GNC, orbital mechanics, embedded systems, hardware bring-up, IR sensors, computer vision, signal processing, or hands-on lab and field testing.
Location & details#
- This role is based on-site in San Francisco, California.
- The internship is full-time and paid.
- We offer rolling start dates.
About Wardstone (YC F25)
Wardstone is a space defense company based in El Segundo, California. Founded in 2025, the firm employs 10 people. It designs and builds satellites that carry interceptors to counter ballistic and hypersonic missiles. The company focuses on protecting the United States and its allies from space-based threats.
How to get in at Wardstone (YC F25)
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