Student: Iris Radio Engineering Assistant

Job ID: 5495
Date Posted: November 24, 2025

The Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is in search of an Electrical Engineering Student with interest in Software Defined Radios (SDRs). This opportunity will include the design, building, and testing of the Iris Radio. Iris Radio is a highly successful Deep Space Radio. Iris Radios have sent and received signals from Mars, the Moon, and asteroids as well as many other parts of space. This will give you the opportunity to work with nationally recognized experts in SDRs and use State of the Art test equipment. You will be making interesting devices that will go into space.

The successful candidate will be curious, motivated, and an EE or ECE student who is interested in software defined radios, signal processing, RF, and Microwaves. Having strong communication skills, both spoken and written, will ensure success as a member of a team. The design of radios touch on many aspects of many engineering disciplines. Early knowledge of many different aspects of engineering as well as a strong sense of wonder will be helpful.

Candidates should have familiarity and interest in one or more of the following areas (please highlight any relevant experience in your application materials):

• Reading and understanding of electronics and schematics
• Hardware and software test and troubleshooting procedures
• Experience in an ESD environment
• Completion of communications, microwaves, or similar classes

Required Qualifications:

• Must be a USU student majoring in a related field (i.e., EE or ECE)
• Must be a junior, senior, or graduate student
• Must have a minimum of a year of school remaining (whether currently pursuing undergrad or grad degree)
• Must be available to work 15-20 hours per week during semesters and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks with the majority during core hours (core hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm)
• Must be able to work effectively, both independently and as a team member
• Strong communication, both written and verbal
• Must be a US citizen, lawful permanent resident of the US, or other US person

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience with electronics and electronic test equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters, spectrum analyzers, etc.)
• Varied experience with electronics
• Comfortable scripting tests and simulating algorithms in Python
• Digital circuit design experience (Verilog/VHDL)
• Embedded software experience (C language)
• Linux, Git, Docker, and other modern software development tools
• Familiarity with GNU Radio software

Student Scholar Program: SDL provides unique opportunities for student employees to develop real-world experience and knowledge beyond the classroom through our Student Scholar Program. This program offers monthly technical workshops, outreach activities, and academic stipends to eligible student employees. All SDL student employees are invited to participate in the program to expand their professional network while supporting SDL's mission.

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.