Electro-Optical Engineer Intern

North Logan, UT

Internship

Civil and Commercial Space

Student (College)

Job ID: 9657
Date Posted: October 19, 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 Civil & Space Division is looking for an exceptional student Electro-Optical Engineer for a summer internship. Interns will be tasked with varying duties based on current projects, needed support, and phase of development.

The Civil & Commercial Space Division is at the forefront of scientific research and space exploration. We equip major Government and commercial missions with calibrated state-of-the-art sensors and satellites. We also provide world-class AI&T technologies and mission management. Our projects include challenges across planetary science, Earth observation, heliophysics, and astrophysics. Be part of a team that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in space and contributes to monumental scientific discoveries.

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 in radiometric analysis
Experience with MATLAB or a similar analytical programming language
Experience with optical design in Zemax or similar optical design software
Experience with optical alignment, testing or other related hands-on optical laboratory work
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
Good communication skills, both written and verbal
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 optical sciences, optical engineering, engineering physics, or related degree program
Must be a junior, senior, or graduate student
3.5 GPA minimum

If you’re 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 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.

Apply for this position

Required*

First Name*

Last Name*

Email Address*

Phone*

Address

Resume*

We've received your resume. Click here to update it.

Attach resume or Paste resume

Attach resume as .pdf, .doc, .docx, .odt, .txt, or .rtf (limit 5MB) or Paste resume

Paste your resume here or Attach resume file

Cover Letter*

Please select your US work authorization status:*

Are you able to obtain a US Government Security Clearance? (US citizenship is required)
For additional information about obtaining a Security Clearance, please visit this link: https://www.state.gov/security-clearances*

I understand and agree that any misrepresentation on this application will be sufficient cause for cancellation of this application and/or separation from the employer's service if I have been employed. I give the employer the right to investigate all references and to secure additional information about me, if job-related. I hereby release from liability the employer and its representatives for seeking such information and all other persons, corporations or organizations for furnishing such information. The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The employer does not discriminate in employment and no question on this application is used for the purpose of limiting or excusing any applicant's consideration for employment on a basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. I understand that just as I am free to resign at any time, the employer reserves the right to terminate my employment at any time, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of the employer has the authority to make any assurances to the contrary. I understand that it is this company's policy not to refuse to hire a qualified individual with a disability because of this person's need for an accommodation that would be required by the ADA.*

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need special assistance or accommodation while seeking employment please contact Human Resources at [email protected]

Can you perform the essential functions of the job applied for with or without accommodation?*

Are you 18 years or older?*

Where did you hear about this job?*

When are you planning to graduate (please include year & semester)?*

If you prefer to use a name that differs from your legal first name for your employee email, badge, etc., please list it here.

Do you have any relatives currently employed by SDL? If so, please list the name of each relative and indicate your relationship to them.*

What school/university do you attend?*

Are you a student in optical sciences, optical engineering, engineering physics, or related degree program?*

Are you currently enrolled at Utah State University?*

Please select what year of school you will be entering in the summer of 2027?*

Do you have experience with MATLAB or a similar analytical programming language?*

Do you have experience with optical design in Zemax or similar optical design software?*

Do you have experience with optical alignment, testing, or other related hands-on optical laboratory work?*

Do you have a GPA of 3.5 or higher?*

Please select the correct job ID located at the top of the job advertisement.*

The following questions are entirely optional.

Invitation for Job Applicants to Self-Identify as a U.S. Veteran

A “disabled veteran” is one of the following:
- a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or
- a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.
A “recently separated veteran” means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.
An “active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran” means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.
An “Armed forces service medal veteran” means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

Veteran status

I IDENTIFY AS ONE OR MORE OF THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF PROTECTED VETERAN LISTED ABOVE
I AM NOT A PROTECTED VETERAN
I DON’T WISH TO ANSWER

Human Check*

Submit Application