Agile Software Test Engineering Intern

Job ID: 9862
Date Posted: October 20, 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 seeking an entry-level engineering intern to support the Battlestar program through agile testing best practices and shift-left testing. Working alongside experienced engineers and mentors, the selected candidate will contribute to a cloud-based enterprise ground system supporting dynamic space operations. This position will be located North Logan, UT.  Interns will be paid a competitive hourly wage and assigned work appropriate to their experience and project needs.

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. 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.

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.

Primary Responsibilities

- Researches and documents practical shift-left testing methods appropriate for agile software teams
- Assists engineers in translating user stories and acceptance criteria into testable scenarios
- Develops or improves basic automated test scripts, test data, and repeatable test procedures under supervision
- Supports early defect identification, test execution, and tracks findings using team tools
- Prepares a short best-practices guide and demonstrates a proposed improvement to the development and test workflow
Requirements
- Introductory understanding of software development, testing, or agile team practices
- Experience writing simple code or scripts through coursework or personal projects
- Ability to interpret requirements and document expected versus observed software behavior
- Ability to work collaboratively with engineers and other interns and independently with appropriate guidance
- Strong initiative, attention to detail, and written and verbal communication skills
- Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
Education:
- Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in systems, aerospace, mechanical, electrical, computer engineering, computer science, or a closely related field
- Entry-level applicants are welcome; relevant coursework or academic projects may satisfy technical experience requirements
- 3.0 GPA minimum is required
Desired Qualifications:
- Exposure to unit, integration, API, or automated regression testing
- Familiarity with Python, Git, CI/CD concepts, or automated testing frameworks
- Experience with Jira, Confluence, or software defect tracking

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.