Electro-Optical Engineer Intern

Space Dynamics Laboratory’s (SDL’s) internship program provides undergraduate and graduate students with opportunities to work on professional-level assignments involving space-, airborne-, and ground-based systems. Interns receive support from engineers and mentors, and the program includes training workshops, networking opportunities, and summer events and activities. The Strategic Military Space Division is seeking an intern for the summer of 2027. This position supports optical system characterization and calibration, with an emphasis on testing and evaluating next-generation sensor payloads for space applications. The intern will assist with laboratory characterization and Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) testing, operating flight camera hardware across extreme temperature ranges and simulated space-vacuum environments. Tasks include test setup, data collection, data reduction and analysis, and documentation. Additional opportunities may include optical alignment, stray-light evaluation, and vacuum-system operations and maintenance. Duties will vary based on projects, support needs, and development phase. The selected candidate is expected to provide onsite support in North Logan, Utah, no later than June 7, 2027, and be available for up to 12 weeks. The position may lead to continued employment or transition to student or full-time employment requiring security-clearance eligibility. SDL internships are intended for students from across the nation. Utah State University (USU) students are not eligible for SDL internship positions and are encouraged to explore SDL’s Student Employment opportunities, which offer year-round opportunities for USU students. ## Requirements - Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for multidimensional array manipulation, image processing, and automated image-reduction and analysis pipelines. - Familiarity with optical alignment, benchtop testing, or general laboratory procedures, such as experience from physics or optics lab courses, university research, or student payload projects. - Core understanding of visible and/or thermal infrared principles, such as radiometric measurements, Planck’s Law, and blackbody radiation. - Strong verbal and written technical communication skills and a record of collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams of students and professionals. - Initiative to work independently, manage task priorities, and ask clarifying questions when encountering ambiguous technical challenges. - Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. - Must be pursuing a degree in optical science, engineering, physics, or a related laboratory field. - Must be a junior, senior, or graduate student. - Minimum 3.0 GPA.Applicants who are unsure whether they qualify are encouraged to apply; a passion for problem-solving and learning may make them a good fit.