Mechanical Engineering Internship - Space
Location: Lausanne, Switzerland – Internship in Mechanical Engineering. DPhi Space is a Swiss startup building the intelligence infrastructure in space by turning satellites into inference servers and connecting space to the cloud on Earth. The team launched a first demonstrator into space in March 2025, with a second launch planned for March 2026 and an ongoing yearly launch cycle toward 2027.
Your Responsibilities
* Support the design of spacecraft structures and subcomponents to meet mission and payload requirements.
* Contribute to and take ownership of CAD modelling, detailed design and drafting (e.g., machined parts, brackets, panels, assemblies) using SolidWorks.
* Iterate on multiple mechanical concepts for the payload bay and related structures, performing design trade-offs (stiffness, mass, manufacturability, integration, thermal interfaces, etc.).
* Proactively research new design approaches, techniques and components relevant to structures and payload interfaces, and translate findings into concrete design updates or concise summaries.
* Provide support in assembly, integration, and testing of prototypes, systems, and subsystems.
* Run simulations (e.g., structural checks, mass properties, envelopes) and prepare data to support higher‑fidelity analyses.
* Assist in preparing manufacturing packages (drawings, BOMs, machining notes) and interact with suppliers when needed.
* The exact scope will depend on your skills and internship duration (nominal 3–12 months), encompassing a mix of design, research, and hands‑on lab work.
What Will Make You Successful
* Ongoing or recently graduated Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field from a university or HES/ES.
* Solid fundamentals in mechanics of materials, structural design and/or thermals.
* Strong practical skills in CAD (ideally SolidWorks): ability to build clean, parametric parts and assemblies efficiently.
* Interest in spacecraft design techniques and the space industry.
* Comfortable working in a small, fast‑moving team and taking ownership of tasks.
* Problem‑solving mindset and ability to work with evolving constraints and partial information.
* Hands‑on experience in handling and assembling hardware is an asset.
* Language: Fluency in English is a must (B2+, no certificate needed); French is an asset.
* Familiarity with FEM/FEA tools (Ansys or similar) is a plus.
* Previous experience (projects, student teams, internships) in aerospace, robotics, or hardware development is a strong plus, but not strictly required.
What We Offer
* Flexible working hours in a dynamic, friendly, innovative and multicultural environment.
* Startup environment – a flexible and innovative work culture.
* Fast design cycles – design, build, test, and improve in short cycles.
* Option to join the company as a full‑time employee after the internship.
* DPhi Space supports equal opportunities employment.
Activity Details
Variable start dates. Variable internship duration, nominally six months. Activity rate of 100% on‑site.
Ready to Apply?
Join our team and help build the intelligence infrastructure in space.
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