At Turion Space, our mission is to ensure that space remains usable, safe, and secure for generations to come. As a Software Engineering Intern, you’ll design software modules and subsystems for internal simulation and modeling tools, flight software, platform, computer vision, and Starfire OS projects. Join us and turn your passion for space into solutions!
We are open to students across all engineering disciplines, based on your interests and skills we’ll place you on a team that can support your learning and development.
Key Responsibilities:
Performs moderately complex development activities, including the design, implementation, maintenance, testing, and documentation of software modules and sub-systems
Manage and track software development in an agile environment
Coordinate solution design and development activities requiring extensive analysis in areas such as user experience, software design, and more
Act as a technical reference within a group or solution
Employ software development best practices and maintain them through technical reviews and mentoring
Perform complex bug verification, release testing, and beta support across multiple solutions
Contribute to the engineering roadmap process for R&D projects
Actively interface with users to learn about their problems and create efficient solutions
Bring your voice to the table in team collaborations on architecture, design, and code reviews
What You'll Learn:
What it takes to build and iterate on 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 degree in a Computer Science or related engineering discipline
Demonstrated ability to design, build and test software from scratch
Passion for, and knowledge of, aerospace and space technology
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:
GPA of 3.5 or above
Programming experience in Ruby, C/C++, C#, Java, or similar object-oriented language
Openings:
As a Software Engineering Intern at Turion space you will drive designs from concept through testing and flight. You’ll have broad ownership and will be expected to learn quickly, contribute across disciplines, and help us deliver flight-ready software. Based on your experience you may be placed with the following sub-teams:
Ground Software: Work on our Mission Control Systems, help develop tools for GNC and AI engineers, and learn how to create applications that directly impact space missions.
Flight Software: Opportunity to design, develop, and own 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.
Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC): Contribute to the design, development, and implementation of guidance, navigation, and control systems for our satellite missions. You will work closely with the mission design and flight software team to design and implement mission profiles and algorithms.
Platform: Learn how to build and sustain the architecture for an internal developer platform that enables our engineering teams to deploy spacecraft control systems, autonomous satellite operations, and mission-critical applications.
Systems: Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to determine system requirements, track risks, plan projects, define interfaces, and lead system verification.
Software Engineer Intern Pay: $25/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.
Top Skills
What We Do
Turion Space is building the infrastructure to secure and sustain the future of space. Founded to address the growing need for space domain awareness, in-space servicing, and debris mitigation, Turion designs, builds, and operates spacecraft with real-world operational capability. Our vehicles are built for national security and commercial missions that require speed, autonomy, and resilience.
We believe the next chapter of space operations will be defined by who can act, not just observe. That’s why we’re focused on building platforms that move fast, adapt in orbit, and solve problems ranging from satellite servicing to tactical intelligence gathering.
We successfully launched our DROID.001 satellite in June 2023 and DROID.002 in March 2025. DROID.003 is scheduled for launch in 2026.
Why Work With Us
Turion Space is where startup grit meets real space missions. We build and fly spacecraft for defense, servicing, and domain awareness. No red tape, no sidelines, just hands-on work that matters.
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