Field-Deployed Software Engineering Intern – Fall 2026 / Spring 2027
About this role
Deploying directly to outdoor test sites in the desert region near Los Angeles, interns regularly support data acquisition, system bring-up, troubleshooting, and test execution on real hardware. Engineers at GITAI operate within an integrated environment where electrical, mechanical, software, manufacturing, integration, and test teams collaborate closely to build satellite buses, in-orbit servicing robotics, and mission hardware for low-Earth-orbit missions. This temporary position exists to advance software development across robotics, computer vision, or guidance, navigation, and control systems while bridging the gap between code and physical machinery.
Candidates joining the team will spend Wednesdays and Thursdays at desert test locations and work out of the Torrance facility on other days. The ideal individual thrives in an early-stage setting where requirements frequently shift, technical problems remain ambiguous, and hands-on participation is essential for mission success. Anyone comfortable moving between code, sensors, computers, networks, actuators, and test equipment will find a suitable environment here.
What you will do
- Support weekly field testing by handling system setup, bring-up, data acquisition, logging, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
- Develop and debug software applications focused on robotics, computer vision, GNC, or related systems.
- Diagnose complex issues spanning software and hardware components, including sensors, actuators, communications, timing, configuration, and computing systems.
- Build custom scripts and lightweight tools dedicated to data collection, visualization, system health monitoring, and test automation.
- Review test data and logs to reproduce failures and collaborate with fellow engineers to establish root causes and practical fixes.
- Coordinate hardware and software integration alongside test preparation activities at the Torrance facility between scheduled field deployments.
- Document test configurations, ongoing issues, findings, and software changes to ensure the engineering team can act rapidly.
What you need
- Start in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027, with earlier availability preferred and immediate starts welcomed.
- Pursue or have recently completed a BS or MS degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Demonstrate at least one year of sustained, hands-on contribution to a robotics team, rocketry team, Formula SAE, research lab, or similar environment involving physical hardware.
- Maintain availability to work at least three days per week, including regular Wednesdays and Thursdays at the outdoor desert test site near Los Angeles.
- Bring practical experience in robotics, computer vision, controls, GNC, autonomy, or embedded systems.
- Write code proficiently in Python or C++ and operate comfortably within Linux environments.
- Possess strong debugging capabilities to resolve issues crossing both software and hardware boundaries while working outdoors around active test operations.
- Fulfill U.S. citizenship requirements to support programs requiring eligibility for a U.S. Secret security clearance.
Nice to have
- Experience with ROS or ROS 2
- Experience integrating sensors, cameras, actuators, embedded computers, or robotic systems
- Experience with OpenCV, PyTorch, state estimation, motion planning, control systems, or related robotics software
- Experience with hardware communication interfaces such as CAN, Ethernet, serial, EtherCAT, or similar protocols
- Experience with data acquisition, telemetry, time synchronization, or analysis of experimental test data
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the remote policy for this role?
This position is onsite. Regular work takes place at the Torrance, CA facility with frequent overnight travel to desert test sites including Barstow, Mojave, and other Southern California locations.
What is the compensation range?
Compensation ranges from $28 to $40 per hour. Final pay is determined based on academic level, relevant technical experience, and demonstrated hands-on engineering capability.
What are the expected working hours?
Typical work hours run Monday through Friday from approximately 9:00am to 6:00pm onsite. Flexibility is expected based on mission schedules and program needs.
Are there specific citizenship requirements?
U.S. citizenship is required because the role may support U.S. Government programs that require eligibility for a U.S. Secret security clearance. The role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.