Engineer Intern

Company: Ultra Intelligence & Communications

Mission Solutions

Powering Decision

Join the team redefining defense technology. From engineering systems that save lives to leading programs that change the battlefield—find your place in the future of defense.

Mission Solutions

By joining our Mission Solutions business, you will be a member of a team dedicated to providing innovative solutions that streamline the preparation and execution of intricate, mission-critical operations. We focus on enhancing situational awareness, tactical command and control, and seamless video data exchange capabilities within a dynamic, multi-domain environment.

About Ultra I&C and the Knox Product Line
Ultra I&C Edge Compute provides secure computing, communications, and engineering solutions focused on airborne rugged and contested environments. The Knox™ family of multifunction processors are SOSA-aligned, 3U OpenVPX systems that deliver rugged, high-performance edge computing across air, land, and maritime missions.

Knox systems power critical defense applications including sensor fusion, AI/ML inference, tactical command and control, and multi-domain operations — deployed on platforms ranging from tactical UAVs (Knox-5) to strategic airborne assets (Knox-7, Knox-10). This internship offers a rare opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge defense hardware at the edge of compute technology.

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated Engineering Intern to support our Knox Systems Engineering Integration and Test (SEIT) team. This is a hands-on, learning-focused role designed for early-career students pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering. The intern will assist with hardware integration, documentation, lab testing, and engineering support activities across the Knox product line.

This role is an excellent entry point for students passionate about defense systems, rugged hardware, and real-world engineering — and is structured to grow with the intern's developing skills.

Responsibilities

Hardware & Lab Support

• Assist with bench-level integration and testing of 3U OpenVPX modules and Knox chassis configurations
• Support setup, operation, and logging of lab test equipment including oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and signal generators
• Help with cable routing, connector identification, and physical hardware assembly and inspection
• Assist with 3D printing of mechanical fixtures, brackets, and test aids using CAD models and slicer tools
• Support documentation of hardware configurations, build states, and test setups

Systems Engineering Support

• Assist in maintaining integration checklists, test logs, and engineering notebooks
• Support drafting and editing of test procedures, integration plans, and engineering reports under engineer guidance
• Help track action items, discrepancies, and hardware status using issue tracking tools (Jira)
• Participate in team meetings, design discussions, and lab integration events
• Support requirements traceability activities and documentation reviews

Learning & Development

• Shadow senior SEIT engineers through the full integration lifecycle — from component bring-up through system-level test
• Develop familiarity with SOSA-aligned OpenVPX architecture, rugged defense hardware, and airborne system integration
• Build exposure to EMI/EMC testing practices and MIL-STD compliance in a lab environment
• Learn systems engineering fundamentals including ConOps, requirements derivation, and design review processes (SRR, PDR, CDR)

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an accredited Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering program (community college, undergraduate, or higher)
• Strong academic record and demonstrated passion for engineering, hardware, or defense technology
• Basic familiarity with engineering tools — CAD software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or equivalent), 3D printing, or circuit fundamentals
• Ability to follow complex instructions, document work accurately, and operate safely in a laboratory environment
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and willingness to learn
• Must be a U.S. Citizen and eligible to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance
• Ability to work on-site in San Diego, CA

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Hands-on experience with electronics or electromechanical systems (school projects, maker projects, or hobby work welcomed)
• Familiarity with basic lab equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters, bench power supplies)
• Experience with 3D printing hardware and slicer software (Cura, Bambu Studio, or equivalent)
• Basic Python or MATLAB scripting experience
• Exposure to SolidWorks, SolidWorks Electrical, or other mechanical/electrical CAD tools
• Familiarity with cable assembly and wiring diagram tools such as Visio, Zuken E3, Capital Electra, or Altium for creating harness and interconnect drawings
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation
• Interest in defense, aerospace, or rugged electronics systems

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience with real defense hardware — 3U OpenVPX multifunction processors deployed on operational platforms
• Mentorship from experienced Systems Engineering Integration and Test (SEIT) professionals
• Exposure to the full systems engineering lifecycle in a defense product environment
• Practical lab skills: test equipment operation, hardware bring-up, integration documentation
• Familiarity with defense industry standards including SOSA, VITA, and MIL-STD frameworks
• A strong resume credential in the defense edge computing space

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Notice

Due to the nature of the programs, we deliver for our customers, candidates may need to obtain the relevant security clearance or handle export-controlled material as defined by the role's requirements.

Ultra I&C is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected state or federal classes. 

We provide affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act. If you need an accommodation in any part of the application process, email [email protected]."