Flight Software Engineering Intern
At Turion Space, our mission is to ensure that space remains usable, safe, and secure for generations to come. As a Flight Software Engineering Intern you will have the opportunity to develop critical flight software solutions for spacecraft and satellite systems. You will collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to ensure that flight software meets performance, reliability, and mission-specific requirements. This is a 12-week commitment on-site at our Irvine, CA headquarters. Key responsibilities include:
- Help architect and test flight software that is used on-board Turion's satellites, including driver development and integration with onboard components
- Write embedded software in C/C++ for real-time control and autonomous decision-making
- Develop simulation code, hardware-in-the-loop test frameworks, and system-level verification tools
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues across development, testing, and live flight operations
- Collaborate closely with systems, hardware, avionics, and mission ops teams to ensure functionality and mission alignment
- Maintain clear and thorough documentation, including interface control documents (ICDs), design specs, and test plans
- Help define and continuously improve software development processes, testing standards, and system architecture
What you'll learn:
- What it takes to build and iterate on flight software that operates in space in an agile environment
- New product and tool development for unique spacecraft for commercial and government customers
- Aerospace regulations and documentation practices
- If you've ever watched a spacecraft launch and thought "I want to help build that"—this is your chance. Join us and build the software that makes space easier to explore!
What we're looking for:
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Graduate degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering or related engineering discipline
- Experience programming embedded systems in C/C++
- Programming experience in C/C++, Python, Go, Rust or similar object-oriented language
- Demonstrated ability to design, build, and test embedded software from scratch
- Must be able to work full time (40 hours per week), on-site in Irvine, CA for 12 consecutive weeks between May – September 2026.
- Must be able to provide your own transportation and housing.
Nice to have:
- Prior work on flight software or a similar high reliability software that interfaces with hardware
- Passion for, and knowledge of, aerospace and space technology
- Experience with:
- Embedded Linux systems and shell command-line tools
- Communication protocols such as CCSDS, CAN, Ethernet/IP, SPI
- Driver level development, board bring-up, or real-time operating systems in a project or lab setting.
- Scripting languages (e.g., Python) for testing, automation, or data analysis.
- Version control and CI/CD tools like Git
Flight Software Engineer Intern Pay: $30/hr-$35/hr
ITAR Requirements: This position may include access to technology and/or software source code that is subject to U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Benefits: We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of our employees. In addition to a competitive base salary and company stock, determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, and market demand, full-time employees are eligible for:
- Equity: Receive equity in Turion Space, letting you benefit from the company's success
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their dependents.
- Retirement Plans: Access to a 401(k) plan to help you plan for your future.
- Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, personal days, sick days, and holidays to ensure you have time to recharge.
- Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, workshops, and courses to advance your skills and career growth.
- Team Building Activities: Regular social events, team outings, and company-sponsored activities to foster a positive work environment.
We are dedicated to providing a supportive and enriching environment for our team members, recognizing that our collective success is built upon the well-being and satisfaction of each individual.
Turion Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Turion Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.