Flight Software Engineering Intern (Simulation/Hardware-In-The-Loop) - Spring & Summer 2027

About the Team:

You'll join a small, fast-moving team building the avionics and flight software for a new flight vehicle program from clean sheet. Everything is actively being built, integrated, and tested on real hardware supporting real tests.

This role will focus on developing simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) infrastructure, combining software development, flight simulation, and hands-on hardware integration.

Small team, big ownership, and we move at speeds the rest of the industry doesn't.

Spring-Summer: Around 28 weeks (January - August)

Responsibilities:

• Support development of a 6-DOF flight simulation including vehicle dynamics, sensor/actuator models, and engine/plant models to verify flight software in closed loop.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing, including integrating flight computers, avionics, sensors, actuators, and cable harnesses.
• Write simulation and test software primarily in C++, with Python and MATLAB used for modeling and tooling.
• Troubleshoot and integrate hardware using schematics, pinouts, connectors, and common bench tools.
• Build tooling that makes simulation and HITL testing fast, repeatable, and data-rich through logging, playback, and automation.
• Independently own simulation and integration tasks from initial setup through testing and troubleshooting.

Required Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Working proficiency in C++.
• Strong understanding of physics and dynamics fundamentals, including rigid-body dynamics, classical mechanics, reference frames, and equations of motion.
• Comfortable working hands-on with hardware, including reading schematics and pinouts, building or terminating cables, and troubleshooting hardware.
• Comfortable using common bench tools such as a multimeter, oscilloscope, and power supply.
• Comfortable working in a Linux command-line environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively on multidisciplinary technical teams.
• GPA of 3.0 or above.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Working knowledge of MATLAB and/or Python for simulation modeling, analysis, and tooling.
• Experience with 6-DOF simulation, flight or vehicle dynamics modeling, or software-in-the-loop (SITL).
• Hardware-in-the-loop (HITL), real-time, or embedded systems experience.
• GNC coursework or projects involving controls, state estimation, navigation, or flight dynamics.
• Soldering, connectorization, or wire-harness fabrication experience.
• Hands-on experience with robotics, UAVs/drones, rocketry, FSAE, CubeSat, or similar technical teams.
• Previous simulation, GNC, avionics, or flight software internship experience.
• Currently pursuing a graduate degree (MS or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.