2026 Internship - Research Intern - Applied Space Research

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory • Laurel, MD

2h • $23 - $48

About The Position

Are you majoring in a STEM degree looking to apply your degree and learn how to apply research for space applications?
Are you self-motivated and want to apply your technical skills to work in a collaborative environment for our National Aeronautics and Space Administration, United State Space Force, and/or United States Space Command sponsor base?
If you are pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy, Software Engineering, or a related field and want to work in space, we would love to have you join the Applied Space Research!
We are seeking a driven computer scientist, engineer, mathematician, or scientist to help us on one or more of the following projects:
Implement the installation, calibration, and testing of equipment for a new laboratory setup in support of Europa Clipper, to include proton and electron acceleration, spectroscopy, and a vacuum chamber.
Develop and evaluate software environments for testing novel sensing architectures, including event-based cameras and neuromorphic machine learning approaches.
You'll be joining a hardworking team who balance independent and team-work on a variety of space-based projects. You will be working with other interns and subject matter experts to develop solutions for data fusion, laser technologies, machine learning, intelligent systems, modeling and simulation, performance assessment, remote sensing, sensor tasking, signature analysis, and/or testing for both existing and conceptual space systems and experimental setups.
As a member of the Applied Space Research team, you may research, design, develop and test components designed to replicate the conditions of space, and/or design software environments for future space systems sensors. You will leverage your own experience and that of subject matter experts to determine the performance of these systems as well as the effects of space and terrestrial environments. We are a group of staff from multidisciplinary backgrounds which include astronomy, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and physics.
If you are willing to learn about space and you enjoy computer simulations, programming, experimental design and setup, and solving challenging problems, you might be the perfect addition to our group!
As an intern in the Applied Space Research group, you might...
Perform modeling studies of space-based remote sensing constellations and systems.
Contribute to the development and assessment of new space systems.
Apply your technical expertise and creativity to develop and implement new modeling, simulation, and analysis tools as needed.
Implement the integration of a new laboratory experimental setup.
Develop presentations to effectively communicate technical results to the team, APL leadership, and government sponsors.
Design, implement, test, and deploy software applications in a dynamic environment alongside other software engineers, engineers, and scientists.
Collaborate with other subject matter experts to design solutions to various problems.
Propose new areas of research relevant to our sponsor’s future problems in space.
Apply new and innovative methods and software tools to enhance existing modeling, simulation, and analysis systems to solve new challenges.
Apply your knowledge of software, mechanical, and/or aerospace engineering methodologies and continuously expand your familiarity with tools and standards.
Note: This job summary and listing of duties is for the purpose of describing the position and its essential functions at time of hire and may change over time as the sponsors' mission is changed or adjusted.

Requirements

• Are pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Have an interest in lab work, modeling, simulation, design of experiments or performance analysis of space-based sensors, and constellation analysis.
• Have development experience with C/C++, MATLAB, Python, SolidWorks, or equivalent programming and/or CAD languages.
• Are interested in designing and maintaining software systems.
• Possess excellent communication skills on an interdisciplinary team that puts an emphasis on using modern tools for efficient and direct communication.
• Have a desire to learn and explore new technologies with an eye to apply those modern technologies to develop disruptive, new solutions.
• Have the ability to complete tasking requirements without direct oversight.
• Thrive in a dynamic project environment with evolving technologies and problem-sets!
• To access APL’s facilities and networks, U.S. Citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with data from space-based assets to design and maintain modeling, simulation and analysis systems.
• Experience related to modeling, simulation, or performance analysis of space systems and constellations, or physics-based modeling for space applications.
• Experience in statistical estimation, quantitative evaluation, and/or physics-based modeling.
• Experience in a lab environment, including an understanding of vacuum systems, particle accelerators, and/or spectroscopic tools.
• Experience in a formal technical leadership role, leading a technical team, building modeling and simulation systems and models to assess space based systems and space communication systems.
• Experience with any simulation and testing tool (think STK, AFSIM, etc.).
• Strong space physics skills.
• Passion for modeling, simulation, and associated software verification and validation.

Responsibilities

• Perform modeling studies of space-based remote sensing constellations and systems.
• Contribute to the development and assessment of new space systems.
• Apply your technical expertise and creativity to develop and implement new modeling, simulation, and analysis tools as needed.
• Implement the integration of a new laboratory experimental setup.
• Develop presentations to effectively communicate technical results to the team, APL leadership, and government sponsors.
• Design, implement, test, and deploy software applications in a dynamic environment alongside other software engineers, engineers, and scientists.
• Collaborate with other subject matter experts to design solutions to various problems.
• Propose new areas of research relevant to our sponsor’s future problems in space.
• Apply new and innovative methods and software tools to enhance existing modeling, simulation, and analysis systems to solve new challenges.
• Apply your knowledge of software, mechanical, and/or aerospace engineering methodologies and continuously expand your familiarity with tools and standards.

Benefits

• We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
• Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance.
• APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area.
• APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities.
• APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern