Internship - Trajectory optimization for orbital insertion

At HyPrSpace, our mission is clear : to make advanced propulsion technology affordable and accessible for a wide array of applications, from civilian to defense. With our pioneering hybrid rocket engine, we're introducing a new era of aerospace capabilities—more efficient, cost-effective, safer, and sustainable. This journey goes far beyond the realms of ordinary rocket engineering. We're laying the foundational stones for applications that will protect, enrich or expand human life, both on Earth and beyond. 

By stepping into HyPrSpace, you're not just taking on a role; you're embracing a mission where your expertise, creativity, and determination unlock unprecedented realms of possibilities.

Your mission will directly contribute to enhance the versatility and applicability of our systems. Are you ready to take your career to new heights with HyPrSpace? Send your resume and let us know what ignites your passion for space, and why the HyPrSpace mission resonates with you 

About your role :

As a Trajectory Optimization Intern, you will join our Mission Design & Flight Dynamics team to help design, simulate, and optimize multi-phase launch vehicle trajectories for precise orbital insertion. This includes optimizing each mission segment — first stage ascent, second stage ascent, and final orbit, ensuring optimal performance and robustness across all phases. An internal optimization method already exists. Your primary mission will be to significantly reduce its computation time while maintaining accuracy and robustness. 

You'll evolve hand-in-hand with mission analysts and guidance engineers to develop efficient, feasible, and high-performance flight profiles for our launch vehicles Baguette One and OB-1. This is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in high-stakes space mission design, applying advanced optimization techniques to real-world, multi-phase launch scenarios. 

Your key responsibilities :

• Develop, implement, and significantly reduce the computation time of the existing in-house trajectory optimization method for multi-phase launch trajectories.
• Perform mission analysis to define orbital insertion requirements for each flight phase.
• Simulate ascent and orbital phases (first stage, second stage, transfer burns) using in-house and industry-standard tools. 
• Analyze trade-offs between performance, robustness, and mission constraints across all phases.
  
• Document and present your work to support mission reviews and decision-making.
• Collaborate with GNC, propulsion, and systems engineering teams to ensure optimized trajectories are technically feasible.
• Participate in validation campaigns and sensitivity analyses to assess mission robustness. 

What and who we are looking for:

You are an aspiring aerospace engineer passionate about space mission design, numerical optimization, and the challenges of multi-phase trajectory planning. 

Core qualifications, skills and mindset :

• Bachelor's or Master's degree student in Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
• Solid foundation in orbital mechanics and astrodynamics.
• Proficiency in a scientific programming language (Python, MATLAB or C++).
• Familiarity with numerical optimization techniques: Direct Shooting Method,
• Indirect Shooting Method (Pontryagin's Maximum Principle etc).
• Understanding of launch vehicle performance metrics and constraints. Strong analytical mindset, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Bonus points if you have: Experience with parallel computing or GPU acceleration for optimization. 

Why joint us ?

• Work on real-world, multi-phase space mission trajectory optimization problems.
• Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge optimization and simulation tools.
• Collaborate with passionate engineers working towards ambitious spaceflight goals. 
  

Why HyPrSpace could be tailormade for you ?

• The crew : Join the ranks of #SpaceBakers, our collaborative, committed and fun team, not just making rockets but baking history...
• The impact : Contribute to our projects, lead the charge in next-gen technological advancements, starting at an early-stage of development, leaving a trailblazer's mark on space or defense applications.
  
• The innovation : Immerse yourself in an environment where innovation thrives, and your groundbreaking ideas fuel our journey forward.
• The growth : Embark on an unmatched journey of skill and competency development, learning and evolving rapidly through our experimental and iterative approach. 
  
• The lifestyle : Benefit of competitive remuneration, flexible working arrangements, a workplace at the heart of the aerospace and defense cluster, and enjoy the Bordeaux lifestyle—between city center, vineyards and ocean. 

Apply

HyPrSpace is an equal opportunity employer, committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. Our selection process is based on competencies requirements for positions only. If you are eager to make a significant impact, come as you are, we want to hear from you