Electro-Optical Engineer Intern

Space Dynamics Laboratory

Job

Date Posted:
October 6, 2026

Space Dynamics Laboratory’s (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 are able to 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.

The Strategic Military Space Division is looking for an exceptional Calibration and Test Engineer for a summer internship. Interns will be paid a competitive hourly wage and tasked with varying duties based on current projects, needed support, and phase of development. This position directly supports optical system characterization and calibration, with an emphasis on testing and evaluating next-generation sensor payloads for space applications.

The selected candidate will assist in laboratory characterization and Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) testing—operating flight camera hardware across extreme temperature ranges and simulated space vacuum environments—and will actively participate in test setup, data collection, data reduction/analysis, and documentation. Additional opportunities may include optical alignment, stray light evaluation, and vacuum system operations and maintenance.

The Strategic & Military Space Division delivers advanced satellite and sensor systems that support the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. Our division is a key component of national security, providing technological solutions and expert mission support. Become part of a team dedicated to making a tangible contribution to our nation’s defense capabilities.

This internship is for the summer of 2027. The selected candidate will be expected to provide onsite support in North Logan, Utah no later than Monday, June 7th with availability for up to 12 weeks. 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.

• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for multidimensional array manipulation, image processing, and automated image reduction/analysis pipelines
• Familiarity with optical alignment, benchtop testing, or general laboratory procedures (e.g., as gained through physics/optics lab courses, university research, or student payload projects)
• Core understanding of visible and/or thermal infrared principles (e.g., radiometric measurements, Planck’s Law, blackbody radiation)
• Strong verbal and written technical communication skills, with a track record of collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams of students and professionals
• Demonstrated initiative to work independently, manage task priorities, and ask clarifying questions when encountering ambiguous technical challenges
• 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 optical science, engineering,…