Guidance, Navigation & Controls (GNC) Intern
- Entry level
How this pay compares
This internship does not state its pay. Open flight software & GNC internships post a median of $32 an hour, the middle half $29 to $37.50, across 27 internships that state their pay. Salaried jobs pay for a year of experienced work, so they are not set beside it.
About the job
Guidance, Navigation & Controls (GNC) Intern
Location: Houston, TX
Summer 2027
About Intuitive Machines:
Intuitive Machines is an innovative and cutting-edge space company making cislunar space accessible to both public and private customers. We believe our mission is to further research, communications, and exploration beyond low lunar orbit. With multiple NASA lunar missions in the making and additional private missions on our manifest, we pride ourselves in supporting NASA, our customers and the nation in paving the way to return humans to the surface of the moon. Our world-class team includes experts in all spacecraft subsystems design, development, and test, on-orbit operations, and safety.
Internship Overview:
Intuitive Machines is seeking a dynamic and ambitious individual to join our team as a GNC Intern. This internship is tailored for students pursuing degrees in aerospace engineering, software engineering or related backgrounds. As a GNC Intern, you will have the opportunity to work on challenging projects involving TRICK simulations, Monte Carlo methods, Kalman Filters, and other advanced technologies used in aerospace guidance and control systems. Under the supervision of experience engineers you could expect some of the following at a high lever.
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to the design and development of Guidance, Navigation & Controls systems for aerospace applications.
- Work with TRICK (Toolkit for the Rapid Interface Construction Kit) to create and execute simulations for GNC system testing and validation.
- Utilize Monte Carlo simulation methods to assess and improve the robustness and reliability of GNC algorithms and systems.
- Collaborate on the design and implementation of GNC algorithms, considering factors such as accuracy, stability, and responsiveness.
- Participate in testing and validation activities to ensure the performance of GNC systems under various scenarios and conditions.
- Work closely with experienced GNC engineers to contribute to ongoing aerospace projects.
- Maintain detailed records of GNC system design, simulation activities, and testing outcomes.
Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in a bachelor's, master's degree or PH'd program in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
- Strong interest in GNC systems, aerospace technology, and simulation tools. Monte Carlo, Kalman Filters, TRICK and other said tools are a plus.
- Proficient in programming languages relevant to aerospace simulations (e.g., C++, Python).
- Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
Benefits
- Gain hands-on experience in utilizing TRICK and Monte Carlo simulations for aerospace GNC systems.
- Learn from experienced professionals in the aerospace industry, expanding your knowledge and skillset.
- Build valuable connections within the aerospace community and participate in company events.
- Receive mentorship and guidance from seasoned professionals, helping shape your future career path.
US EEO Statement
Intuitive Machines is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
From Intuitive Machines's job posting, checked 14 Nov 2026. Requirements, and whether the role is still open, are settled on the employer's own page.
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About Intuitive Machines
Builds lunar landers and the navigation and communications services around them.
Pay on its listings: 6% of its open jobs state their pay
How it pays: Paid as an employee on Intuitive Machines's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
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