Mechanical Engineering Internship - Space

Lausanne, SwitzerlandInternshipMechanical 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 followed by the second one in March 2026. The company is on a track to continue the yearly launch cycle with the next system planned to launch in 2027.

For this mission, we are looking for motivated engineers to join the company.

Your Responsibilities

Together with our team you will

Support the design of spacecraft structures and subcomponents to meet mission and payload requirements.

Contribute and take ownership of CAD modelling, detailed design and drafting (e.g. machined parts, brackets, panels, assemblies) with the use of SolidWorks.

Iterate on multiple mechanical concepts for our 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 our structures and payload interfaces, and turn your 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.

Help prepare 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), but will include 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

DPhi offers flexible working hours, and a dynamic, friendly, innovative and multi-cultural working environment. We have attractive working conditions including team social events. In particular, DPhi space offers

Startup environment – a flexible and innovative work culture

Fast design cycles – design, build, test, and improve in short cycles

Option of joining 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 6 months

Activity rate of 100% on-site

Ready to apply?

Join our team and help build the intelligence infrastructure in space.

Apply for this position