Space Dynamics Laboratory's (SDL) Strategic and Military Space (SMS) Division is looking for several exceptional student software engineers for summer internships supporting advanced space and national security programs. Interns will be paid a competitive hourly wage and tasked with varying duties based on current projects, needed support, and phase of development.
Interns will work on professional software engineering assignments based on current projects, mission needs, and development phase. Work may include developing, testing, and integrating software for small satellites, sensor systems, ground systems, and aerospace platforms.
We are especially interested in students who are actively learning and applying artificial intelligence and machine learning, including students who use modern AI tools as part of their software development workflow. We want interns who can combine strong software engineering fundamentals with the ability to use AI effectively to explore ideas, accelerate development, analyze problems, and build better software.
The SMS Division delivers advanced satellite, sensor, and software systems that support defense and Intelligence Community missions. At SDL, you'll become part of a team dedicated to applying modern technologies to challenging, real-world national security problems.
This position has the potential of continued employment or transition to student/full-time employment requiring security clearance eligibility.
This internship is for the summer of 2027.
SDL internships are designed to bring talented students from across the nation together for unique, high-quality professional opportunities while expanding our candidate pool. Utah State University (USU) students have access to a variety of year-round opportunities with SDL through our Student Employment program. These positions provide USU students with valuable hands-on experience and professional development opportunities that can help them build their skills and resumes. USU students are not eligible for SDL internship positions and are encouraged to explore SDL's Student Employment opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
Depending on project needs, interns may work in one or more of the following areas:
- Software design, development, integration, and testing
- AI-assisted software development and engineering workflows
- Machine learning and AI application development
- Embedded systems and flight software
- Ground system and web application development
- Software requirements development and effort estimation
- Object-oriented analysis and design
- Agile software development
- Aerospace systems design and development
- Code analysis, testing, and software quality
- Evaluation and validation of AI-generated software and technical outputs
- Prototyping new approaches using AI, machine learning, or large language models
- Team collaborative tools and development environments
Required Qualifications
- Must be pursuing a degree in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, applied mathematics, or a related technical field
- Must be a junior, senior, or graduate student
- Proficiency in at least one programming language (C++, C#, Python, Java, or TypeScript experience preferred)
- Experience using AI-assisted coding or development tools such as GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, Codex, or similar technologies
- Ability to understand, evaluate, debug, test, and improve software regardless of whether it was written manually or developed with AI assistance
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a technical team
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
Preferred Qualifications
- Coursework, research, internships, or personal projects involving AI or machine learning
- Experience with Python and AI/ML frameworks, libraries, or development environments
- Experience building software that uses LLMs, AI APIs, agents, RAG, computer vision, machine learning models, or other AI capabilities
- Experience applying AI tools across the software development lifecycle, including design, coding, testing, debugging, documentation, and code review
- Experience with Git, Jira, CI/CD tools, or other collaborative software development environments
- Demonstrated technical curiosity through personal projects, competitions, research, open-source contributions, or other hands-on development
We encourage students to apply even if they do not meet every preferred qualification. We are looking for strong software engineers who are curious about AI, learn quickly, experiment with new technologies, and understand that effective use of AI complements—not replaces—sound engineering judgment.
SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.
At SDL, we strive to uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.
The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 7 days; however, it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly.
For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact employment@sdl.usu.edu.
