Software Engineering Intern - AI Enabled Software Development

Job ID: 9711
Date Posted: October 6, 2026

Space Dynamics Laboratory’s (SDL) Strategic and Military Space (SMS) Division is seeking an undergraduate-level student to join our team for the summer in North Logan, Utah. In this position, the selected candidate will develop and refine software engineering skills while helping develop, improve, and maintain ground system web applications supporting space and national security missions. Interns will be paid a competitive hourly wage and tasked with varying duties based on current projects, needed support, and phase of development.

We are particularly interested in students who are already incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into how they learn, develop software, and solve technical problems. Successful candidates may have experience using AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, Codex, or similar tools, as well as academic, project, or practical experience with machine learning or AI technologies.

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:

• Writes clean, consistent, maintainable, and well-documented code
• Implements, tests, and maintains software for internal and external customers
• Uses modern AI-assisted development tools to improve productivity, explore solutions, generate and review code, troubleshoot problems, and accelerate development
• Critically evaluates, tests, and validates AI-generated code and technical outputs
• Collaborates with software engineers to improve existing ground system and web applications
• Assists in deploying, integrating, and testing software applications
• Explores opportunities to apply AI and machine learning techniques to software engineering and mission problems
• Documents and regularly presents work and technical findings

• Currently pursuing a degree in computer science, computer engineering, computational physics, applied mathematics, engineering, data science, space science, or a related technical field
• Must be an undergraduate junior or senior student
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Programming experience in C#, C++, Python, TypeScript, or similar languages
• Experience using AI-assisted coding or software development tools
• Demonstrated ability to understand, evaluate, debug, and modify code, including code initially developed with AI assistance
• Experience with web application development, embedded development, or similar software projects
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance

• Coursework, projects, research, and/or practical experience involving artificial intelligence or machine learning
• Experience with Python and common AI/ML libraries or frameworks
• Experience developing applications that incorporate large language models (LLMs), APIs, agents, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), or other AI capabilities
• Experience using version control and collaborative software development tools
• Personal, academic, or team projects demonstrating creative application of AI or machine learning

If you are unsure whether you meet every qualification, we still want to hear from you. We are looking for curious, motivated students who enjoy solving difficult problems, learning new technologies, and finding effective ways to apply AI and software engineering to real-world challenges.

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.