Software Engineer Intern - Software, AI, & Machine Learning

Space Dynamics Laboratory•North Logan, UT

20h•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

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
Minimum 3.0 GPA
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

Nice To Haves

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