Job ID 15476

The Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) has been developing innovative technologies and solutions for cutting-edge DoD and intelligence 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 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.  Interns will be paid a competitive hourly wage and will be tasked with varying duties based on current projects, needed support, and development phase.

The SDL Strategic and Military Space (SMS) Division is seeking an upper undergraduate- or graduate-level physics, or related field, student to support the Geospace Environment Impacts and Applications program working alongside the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) located at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico.  SDL is investigating the ionosphere and its impact on defense-related systems through basic research and applied science.  Work related topics could include ionospheric theory, radio frequency engineering, signal processing, software development, radio propagation, and plasma physics.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyze, model, and or measure atmospheric and ionospheric data
• Work with various data formats and file types
• Develop scientific programming analysis tools
• Visualize atmospheric and ionospheric data
• Collaborate with a team of SDL and AFRL scientists

Required Qualifications:

• Competency in common programming languages and analysis tools (e.g., Python, Julia, C, C++, Fortran)
• Ability to read from and write to common file formats in said programming language (e.g., .txt, .csv, .xlsx)
• Comfortable with Linux command line
• Able to work effectively both independently and as a team member and the ability to be productive in a dynamic and collaborative environment
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal
• Must be a US Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the US, or other US person

Helpful Qualifications:

• Basic understanding of the upper atmosphere and ionosphere
• Familiarity with model validation and comparison techniques (e.g. chi-squared, residuals)
• Familiarity with Python and a compiled programming language (C, C++, Fortran, Julia, etc.)

Education:

• Currently enrolled in a Physics, Engineering, Space Science, Atmospheric Science, or other similar degree program
• Upper-undergraduate or graduate student
• 3.0 GPA minimum is required

Intern Hiring Period

Nov 1, 2023 – Jan 15, 2024

• Interviews can occur any time within the hiring period, so we encourage you to complete and submit your application as early as possible.
• Our goal is to notify all applicants of their status by January 31, 2024.

Instructions to applicants:

Along with the online application, please attach:

1) Cover Letter

2) Resume

3) A sample of some code you have written

Our team values diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from individuals of any background. We are committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will be considered equally without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected class.

SDL supports a variety of missions, including NASA’s vision to reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind and the Department of Defense’s aim to protect our Nation on the ground, in the air, and in space. Our sensors, satellites, software systems, and science and engineering play an essential role in some important missions you’ve heard of, and others that you haven’t. Join our team in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.

For questions or assistance with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact employment@sdl.usu.edu.

EOE including Disability and Vet