Student: Software Engineering Assistant

Job ID: 9926

Date Posted: October 26, 2026

Join the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) team, where you'll contribute to groundbreaking innovations! We are seeking a talented undergraduate student to join our software engineering team in Logan, Utah. This position provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting a complex software system used in a U.S. Department of Defense mission environment.

The selected Student Software Engineer will work alongside experienced software, systems, and infrastructure engineers to evaluate, integrate, test, troubleshoot, and improve software and supporting tools. They will contribute to real engineering activities while developing experience across software development, Linux systems, automation, containerized applications, virtualization, and software deployment.

The software environment incorporates a broad range of technologies, including Python, Linux/RHEL, VMware, Kubernetes, Red Hat OpenShift, CI/CD pipelines, distributed applications, and other enterprise software and infrastructure technologies. Candidates are not expected to arrive with experience in all of these areas. We are looking for students with a strong foundation in Python, curiosity about complex systems, and the initiative to learn new technologies and solve technical problems.

This is an onsite position in Logan, Utah. Students are expected to work 15–20 hours per week during the academic year and may work up to 40 hours per week during the summer.

Key Responsibilities

• Develops Python scripts, utilities, and automation to support software evaluation, testing, integration, deployment, and other repeatable engineering activities
• Performs application and system evaluation tests; collect, analyze, document, and present results
• Assists with the development and execution of software integration and testing activities
• Helps investigate and troubleshoot software, application, and infrastructure issues under the guidance of experienced engineers
• Works with Linux-based systems and gain experience with enterprise technologies such as RHEL, VMware, Kubernetes, and Red Hat OpenShift
• Assists with automated deployments, CI/CD processes, test infrastructure, and configuration or development tools
• Evaluates software capabilities, interfaces, SDKs, APIs, and application hosting technologies
• Creates technical documentation, evaluation reports, test results, and other engineering artifacts
• Uses software development and collaboration tools such as Git, Bitbucket, Jira, and Confluence
• Works closely with software developers, systems engineers, infrastructure engineers, and other members of the FORGE team
• Learns unfamiliar technologies and apply them to practical engineering problems
• Participates in code reviews, technical discussions, and other software development activities appropriate to experience level

Required Qualifications

• Must be a Utah State University student currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or another relevant technical field
• At least one year of school remaining
• Proficiency and hands-on programming experience with Python
• Understanding of fundamental software development concepts, including programming, debugging, testing, and software design
• Ability and willingness to learn new programming languages, tools, platforms, and technologies
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to investigate technical problems with guidance from experienced engineers
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to document technical work clearly
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of an engineering team
• Ability to work onsite in Logan, Utah
• Ability to work approximately 15–20 hours per week during the academic year, preferably in blocks of four or more hours, and up to 40 hours per week during the summer
• Must be a U.S. citizen and be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance and any required program access approvals

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Linux or other Unix-like operating systems
• Experience developing software beyond classroom assignments through personal projects, research, internships, or previous student employment
• Familiarity with software system design, development, integration, deployment, and testing
• Experience with Git, Bitbucket, or other version control systems
• Familiarity with containers or container technologies such as Docker, Kubernetes, or Red Hat OpenShift
• Familiarity with virtualization technologies such as VMware
• Exposure to Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) or other Linux distributions
• Familiarity with automated testing, CI/CD pipelines, or software deployment automation
• Experience with Java, C++, web development, shell scripting, or other programming languages and technologies in addition to Python
• Familiarity with databases and SQL
• Exposure to distributed systems, APIs, or messaging technologies such as gRPC, Kafka, or ZeroMQ
• Familiarity with Jira and Confluence
• Academic, personal, or part-time experience working as part of a software development team
• Interest in software systems supporting space, national defense, or other mission-critical applications

What Success Looks Like

• Develops a working knowledge of the FORGE software environment and its supporting technologies
• Produces useful, reliable Python software and automation that improves engineering and evaluation activities
• Approaches unfamiliar technical problems with curiosity, initiative, and persistence
• Learns to troubleshoot across software, operating system, container, and infrastructure boundaries
• Produces clear technical documentation and communicates findings effectively
• Seeks guidance when appropriate, incorporates feedback, and becomes increasingly independent over time
• Contributes positively to the engineering team and shares knowledge with other students and team members
• Continually develops the technical skills needed to take on increasingly challenging FORGE engineering work

Student Scholar Program

SDL provides student employees with opportunities to gain meaningful hands-on engineering experience while continuing their education. Student employees may also participate in SDL's Student Scholar program, which provides opportunities to expand technical knowledge, extend work experience, and engage with the broader SDL community.

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.