Scientific Software Engineering Intern

Job ID: 5964
Date Posted: January 15, 2026

Space Dynamics Laboratory's (SDL's) Geospace Program is seeking an undergraduate-level student to join our team for the summer. This internship is in Albuquerque, New Mexico. SDL provides a one-time housing and travel stipend, though Interns are responsible for making their own arrangements.

The selected candidate will assist in ongoing research activities involving atmospheric and ionospheric studies, working closely with other Scientists and Engineers to develop novel analysis tools. In this position, the candidate will refine their software engineering and data visualization skills to help develop internal data processing pipelines and existing web-based applications - ultimately changing the way we collaborate with the broader ionospheric and DoD community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with Scientists and Engineers to determine application requirements
• Updates existing analysis workflows based on user feedback
• Extracts and transforms data into usable formats (i.e., HDF5, NetCDF, JSON)
• Creates, tests, and implements robust database schemas
• Designs necessary tests, including unit and integration testing
• Documents and regularly presents progress
• Designs software and APIs

• Must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Security Clearance
• Valid US driver's license
• Programming experience in Python
• Familiarity with database systems and SQL
• Experience developing web applications or with frontend development
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal

• Experience with API development
• Experience with data analysis and visualization tools
• Experience with command line interfaces, Git, SSH, Flask
• Prior research experience

• Currently pursuing a degree in computer science, data science, engineering, or similar
• Undergraduate student
• 3.00 GPA minimum is required

• 12 Weeks, from May 2026-August 2026

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.