UK - Orbital Refuelling Fluid System Engineering Intern in Harwell

About the Internship

Orbit Fab is developing bread board models of refuelling fluid systems which would inform the architecture of the electric propulsion refuelling system required on‑orbit. This electric propulsion refuelling system would enable UK built (and potentially UK launched) fuel shuttle vehicles to complement Orbit Fab’s fleet and build out the in‑space refuelling architecture, fulfilling this critical piece of space infrastructure technology. GRASP development would enable UK built (and potentially UK launched) fuel shuttle vehicles to complement Orbit Fab’s fleet and ensure technology risk reduction on this critical piece of space infrastructure technology. The UK team is also working on the next generation versions of the RAFTI interface and its ground support equipment, to enable a wider range of orbital refuelling services. At the time of the project, GRASP, RAFTI and refuelling fluid system technologies will all have development campaigns in the march towards flight readiness.

Project Responsibilities

• Research on propulsion and fluid test methods and equipment
• Establish preliminary fluid and propulsion system designs and analysis
• Support technical reviews and technical decision‑making processes and development
• Creation of test plans and associated test hardware specifications and risk assessments, as well as executing tests
• Supporting the creation of various fluidic test setups complete with instrumentation and sensors to enable end to end testing (with a stretch goal of automating physical tests)
• Engineering support activities associated with refuelling technology and system architecture development as required

Skill Development

• Knowledge of key areas of space systems technology: propulsion and refuelling systems, satellite systems, in‑orbit servicing
• Technology development planning for propulsion/ fluid components
• Skills in fluid and propulsion test planning, execution and reporting with industrial best methods
• Risk assessments (technical, programmatic, safety)
• Thermofluidic simulation and analysis
• Technical documentation and report writing
• Skills in general space testing, space project lifecycle

The Successful Applicant

• You share our appreciation for a diversity of thoughts, backgrounds and experiences, helping us all learn from each other and make smarter decisions
• You are a UK citizen or have the right to work in the UK
• You should have built something. We'd love it if that something has flown in space or been used by a customer
• You are currently pursuing a B.S. or M.S. in a technical discipline especially in the skillsets listed below
• You have a demonstrated passion and capacity for hardware development, working in fast‑paced environments and hands‑on design and development from any maturity

Compensation

The successful candidate will be paid the 2026 Real Living Wage, for a minimum 8 week placement with Orbit Fab.

Location and Benefits

The UK Orbit Fab office is based at Harwell Campus, the UK’s preeminent gateway to the space industry, and only a short drive from Oxford with convenient access to London.

Eligibility

Candidate must have right to work in the UK.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Orbit Fab is an equal opportunity employer, committed to being a diverse and inclusive place in which our talent can thrive. As such, Orbit Fab does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organisation, retaliation, parental status, military service, other non‑merit factor or any other protected characteristic or protected category recognised by the law of jurisdictions in which we operate. All hiring and recruitment decisions made at Orbit Fab are subject to Orbit Fab’s compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.