Experience and/or completed coursework in FPGA firmware development.
Experience with team collaboration tools.
Ability to work hands-on assembling and testing hardware.
Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
Ability to work closely in a team with students and professionals.
Ability to take initiative and ask questions.
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.
Must be pursuing a degree in electrical engineering or computer engineering.
Must be a junior, senior, or graduate student.
A minimum 3.5 GPA is required.
Responsibilities
Develop, test, and integrate radio communication and camera systems for satellite applications.
Perform communication system analysis of various satellite architectures.
Help develop ground support equipment and test software.
Job ID: 9655 Date Posted: October 12, 2026
Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC),has been developing innovative technologies and solutions for cutting-edge science programs for over six decades.
SDL’s internship program provides an exciting opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to get involved with state-of-the art technologies in space-, airborne-, and ground-based systems. With the support of engineers and mentors, interns can work on professional-level assignments that complement their academic studies. The program also includes training workshops, networking opportunities, and a variety of summer events and activities. Interns will be paid a competitive monthly stipend.
The Civil & Commercial Space Division (CVS) is looking for an exceptional student electrical engineer with an emphasis in FPGA design for a summer internship. Interns will be tasked with varying duties based on current projects, needed support, and phase of development. Tasks include developing, testing, and integrating radio communication and camera systems for satellite applications, performing communication system analysis of various satellite architectures, and helping with the development of ground support equipment and test software.
The Civil & Commercial Space Division contributes to the internationally competitive science, space exploration, and commercial market by providing key sensor, small satellite, calibration, and thermal technologies to our customers. Our division is a key component of NASA’s space exploration and technological development, enabling advancements in each of NASA’s science divisions. At SDL, you’ll become part of a team dedicated to making a tangible contribution to our nation’s defense capabilities.
This position is onsite, non-remote at our North Logan, UT location.
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.
Requirements
Experience and/or completed coursework in FPGA firmware development
Experience with team collaboration tools
Ability to work hands-on assembling and testing hardware
Ability to work independently with minimum supervision
Ability to work closely in a team with students and professionals
Ability to take initiative and ask questions
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
Education
Must be pursuing a degree in electrical engineering or computer engineering
Must be a junior, senior, or graduate student
3.5 GPA minimum is required
Interviews may occur any time within the hiring period; applicants are encouraged to complete and submit the application as early as possible. If you are unsure if you are qualified, we still want to hear from you. If you have a passion for problem-solving and learning, you could be a great fit for this internship.
SDL supports a variety of missions, including NASA’s vision to reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind. 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 [email protected].