Student: Engineering Assistant

Job ID: 5812
Date Posted: January 5, 2026
Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking highly skilled, motivated students to work alongside our world class engineers developing, assembling, and testing hardware within the Strategic and Military Space (SMS) division. The program is approaching Critical Design Reviews and beginning flight fabrication, making this a great time to join the team and experience the process of completing a space-based instrument. Our students are an integral part of the development team and support project reviews, deliveries, and integration with the hope of becoming full-time employees upon graduation, depending on funding, performance, and program needs.
Selected candidates must be able to work closely with mentors while owning all aspects of their assigned responsibilities as part of both internal and external engineering teams.
The position is expected to begin as soon as possible and continue through graduation.
The Strategic & Military Space Division delivers advanced satellite and sensor systems that support the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. Our division is a key component of national security, providing technological solutions and expert mission support. Become part of a team dedicated to making a tangible contribution to our nation's defense capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assists senior Engineers with the fabrication, assembly, and test of prototype, engineering units, flight-like and ground support equipment (GSE) hardware
• Creates and executes test procedures, travelers, parts tracking, and kitting
• Assists with equipment operation during calibration and environmental testing

• Works closely with Quality Assurance to ensure customer requirements have been met and properly documented

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Security Clearance
• Must be a sophomore or junior currently enrolled at Utah State University (USU) in a related engineering program
• Ability to work 20 hours per week during the school year and up to 40 hours per week when school is not in session
• Hands-on capability, including handling sensitive equipment and using hand tools
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision once trained
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team of students and professionals
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools
• Willingness to work non-standard hours (nights or weekends) to support hardware testing

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in optics with an understanding of fundamental optical principles
• Experience with CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Solid Edge, or similar

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 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.

At SDL, we 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.