GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Controls) and Astrodynamics Engineering Intern

Scout Space Inc. is excited to announce our 2026 internship program! We are seeking candidates in various engineering fields. Please see the below role definitions for these opportunities. All internship opportunities are mainly remote, but may involve in-person opportunities.

Scout Space is building a new way to see and operate in space: with a new paradigm of data empowering every satellite to make space safer. We are a rapidly-growing team; we are deploying real solutions to orbit over the next 2 years; and our work will transform the face of spaceflight. We are looking for people that bring excitement and energy to our organization, are curious and eager to learn, and want to help drive our programs forward. 

Responsibilities: 

• Utilize modern computing, modeling, and simulation tools (e.g. C/C++, Python, GMAT, STK), processing and estimation algorithms, and virtual systems to rapidly develop and iterate traditional and novel solutions for relative navigation, orbital determination, ongoing astrodynamics R&D, and next-generation Space Domain Awareness (SDA) 

• Support mission planning and ConOps development for operations such as RPO, ISAM, and dynamic resident space object detection, cataloging, and characterization 

• Configure and simulate dynamic mission scenarios requiring high accuracy and repeatability (with different data modalities and sensor configurations) to most effectively conduct in-space autonomous operations 

• Interface with other engineering teams (CV/AI, Payloads, Systems, etc.), ensuring effective communication and documentation to justify selected GNC algorithms and to ease integration with other systems 

Requirements:  

• Pursuing a MS or PhD in Astrodynamics, GNC, or related engineering field.  

• Thorough experience with Python (required) and C++ (desired) 

• Highly preferred: Demonstrated experience using Astrodynamics and GNC technologies in a business or project environment. 

Benefits & Perks: 

• Flexible work hours 

• Free Scout Swag!  

• Opportunities for professional development and growth 

• A dynamic and collaborative work environment at the forefront of space technology 

• Be a part of a team that is making history! 

• Compensation is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Standard pay for this internship is $30/hour. 

Don't fulfill all the qualifications listed above? If you still feel like you might be a good fit, please feel free to APPLY ANYWAY. We believe in a well-rounded team, and this sometimes means that someone with out-of-context knowledge can contribute just as well as someone with very explicit alignment with our capabilities needs stated.

Our positions are based in Reston, Virginia, with much of our team operating in a hybrid or remote fashion. Our preference is for candidates in or around this area (or willing to relocate) as we scale our facilities and engineering team to provide more opportunities to work and collaborate in-person.

Scout Space Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. To conform to US Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be a US citizen, lawful permanent resident of the US, a protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorization from the US Department of State.

We’re Proud to Prioritize Mental Health. Scout Space has been recognized with the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America. This certification reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a supportive environment where mental well-being is valued, protected, and openly talked about. We know that when people feel seen and supported, great work happens, and that is the kind of culture we are building here at Scout Space.