Student: Software Engineering Assistant

Job ID: 6047
Date Posted: January 27, 2026

Join the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) team, where you'll contribute to groundbreaking innovations! We are seeking applicants for a Software Engineering Assistant to join our C4ISR Division.

We are seeking a highly skilled, motivated undergraduate student with at least one year of school remaining to work alongside our world class engineers developing, testing, and analyzing large software systems.

The Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Systems Division delivers mission-critical solutions, specializing in cyber operations, information architecture, strategic deterrence, and ISR. Our division's commitment to innovation and security enables us to provide critical solutions across defense, intelligence, and national security. Join our team and contribute to the next generation of defense technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Performs software evaluation tests; collects, analyzes, and presents results
• Helps write automation scripts to improve the software evaluation process and performs other repeatable tasks; may assist with writing evaluation applications
• Helps incrementally evaluate a software development kit and features of an application hosting framework, along with associated documentation
• Helps create and present reports detailing testing, benchmarking, and other evaluation findings
• Researches, prototypes, and demonstrates proof of concept software solutions for customer and contractor needs
• Works closely with a team of software developers on a daily basis

Required Qualifications:

• Must be currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in a related field (i.e., computer science, computer engineering)
• Must have at least one year of school remaining
• Must be able to work onsite 15-20 hours per week during semesters and up to 40 hours per week during summer
• Must be proficient with Python, Java, and/or C++
• Must be consistently detail-oriented, organized, and self-motivated
• Must be able to work effectively independently and as part of a team
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Must have or be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with principles of software system design, development, deployment, and testing
• Familiarity with software development processes such as revision control, peer reviews, and documentation standards
• Academic or part-time experience working on a software development team
• Familiarity with Linux and command-line tools
• Familiarity with containerization and container-orchestration technologies (Docker, Kubernetes, etc.)
• Willingness to learn about and use a wide array of technologies, programming languages, and complex systems.

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.