GNC Software Engineering Intern (Summer 2027)

Muon Space
Mountain View, CA
On-site

Who this role is best for

Best suited to candidates with a background in aerospace or mechanical engineering working in a fast-paced startup environment focused on spacecraft systems.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with aerospace or mechanical engineering backgrounds and a passion for spacecraft systems
    — “Classwork in software engineering, as well as mechanical/aerospace engineering, applied physics, and/or EE/filtering/estimation”
  • Individuals seeking hands-on, project-owning experiences in a startup culture
    — “Software-focused interns can look forward to owning a project from start to finish”
  • Candidates with strong programming skills in C++ or Python and an interest in spacecraft attitude control
    — “Interest in spacecraft attitude estimation and control”

Things to consider

  • On-site commitment is required in Mountain View, CA, with no remote flexibility mentioned
    — “Internship is full-time and on-site in Mountain View, CA”
  • The role requires access to export-controlled information, which may limit eligibility
    — “This position requires access to export controlled information”

How to stand out

  • Emphasize programming proficiency in C++ or Python with relevant aerospace applications
    — “Programming skills in C++ and/or python. Julia is a plus!”
  • Demonstrate your ability to build tools for GNC subsystems and automation
    — “Build new tools to analyze, calibrate, and operate on-orbit GNC subsystems”
  • Include any experience with technical project teams or mechatronics in your application materials
    — “Previous experience on technical project teams (i.e. Rocket club, formula SAE, solar car, etc.)”
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Individual

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • developing GNC software features
  • writing and automating GNC performance tests
Typical background
classwork in software engineeringprevious internship/co-op experience

Skills & requirements

Required

C++PythonSoftware EngineeringMechanical/aerospace EngineeringApplied PhysicsEe/filtering/estimation

Preferred

JuliaAttitude EstimationControl

Stack & domain

C++PythonJuliaProblem-solvingCommunicationSpacecraftSoftware Engineering

About the role

Original posting from Muon Space via Greenhouse

About the role

Summer internships will range between the months of May and September depending on university schedules. Internship is full-time and on-site in Mountain View, CA.

The Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineering team at Muon is responsible for all GNC on the spacecraft, ranging from sensor and actuator selection to system-level pointing analysis and even writing GNC flight software! Software-focused interns can look forward to owning a project from start to finish which could involve performance analysis, creation of new spacecraft operations tools, or even developing new spacecraft functionality. Come work with the team and help design the future GNC for our Spacecraft!

Muon is a small and fast growing startup which offers interns the experience to get direct mentorship and have real impact on our programs. As an intern, you'll collaborate with a dynamic team in a startup environment and have the chance to learn from some of the most accomplished and experienced aerospace professionals in the industry. We're committed to offering an experience where your decisions and contributions play a pivotal role in driving Muon's success.

Responsibilities

Conduct system-level GNC analysis to support both development and on-orbit operations

Develop or improve a GNC software feature or capability

Build new tools to analyze, calibrate, and operate on-orbit GNC subsystems

Write, improve, and automate GNC performance and regression software tests

Qualifications 

Classwork in software engineering, as well as mechanical/aerospace engineering, applied physics, and/or EE/filtering/estimation

Programming skills in C++ and/or python. Julia is a plus!

Interest in spacecraft attitude estimation and control

Nice-to-have Skills

Previous internship or co-op experience 

Experience with hardware/software integration, mechatronics projects, etc

Previous experience on technical project teams (i.e. Rocket club, formula SAE, solar car, etc.) 

Experience with attitude estimation or control

Pay range

Bachelor's $40/hour

Master's $45/hour Next

PhD $50/hour

About Muon Space

Founded in 2021, Muon Space is an end-to-end Space Systems Provider that designs, builds, and operates LEO satellite constellations delivering mission-critical data. Our revolutionary, integrated technology stack enables customers to optimize every dimension of their missions for faster time-to-orbit and superior constellation remote sensing performance. Our state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Silicon Valley is optimized for manufacturing spacecraft and rapid, flexible payload integration at scale. From climate monitoring to national security, Muon Space is dedicated to delivering Earth Intelligence for a safer and more resilient world.

Taking Care of Our Team

At Muon salary is only part of our total compensation package. In addition to salary, full-time employees receive equity compensation as well as benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401k retirement plan, short & long term disability and life insurance. We also offer three weeks paid vacation for new employees, along with 12 paid holidays, unlimited sick time and paid parental leave. 

Our mission embraces the entire planet and we believe our team should too.  Muon is dedicated to creating a diverse and dynamic company and workforce. We believe in equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or gender identity. We value diversity in the workplace, and that starts with our applicants. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't check all the boxes, and we look forward to reviewing your application! In addition, if you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

Muon is currently registered and able to hire in the following states:

AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IL, IA, ID, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA

ITAR/EAR Requirements

This position requires access to export controlled information. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations applicable to that information, applicant must either be (A) a U.S. person, defined as a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, (B) eligible to access the export controlled information without a required export authorization, or (C) eligible and reasonably likely to obtain the required export authorization from the applicable U.S. government agency. The Company may, for legitimate business reasons, decline to pursue any export licensing process.

Source: Muon Space careers (Greenhouse)

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