About the role#
The GNC Engineering Intern will join the team responsible for the analysis, simulation, and algorithms that guide Spark-1 from launch vehicle separation through on-orbit operations, deorbit, and atmospheric entry. Interns work directly on problems that affect upcoming missions. You will own technical work and collaborate with engineers across flight software, avionics, and vehicle systems.
What you'll do#
- Own or contribute to GNC and astrodynamics analysis, algorithms, and simulations for Spark-1.
- Develop and test spacecraft GNC software, sensors, and actuators in simulation, software-in-the-loop, and hardware-in-the-loop environments.
- Build flight dynamics and mission analysis tools for orbit propagation, navigation, maneuver planning, targeting, scheduling, and mission operations.
- Design and implement algorithms for spacecraft attitude determination and control, orbit determination, autonomous maneuver execution, collision avoidance, and deorbit targeting.
- Perform trajectory design, optimization, Monte Carlo, and dispersion analysis for on-orbit operations, deorbit, and atmospheric reentry.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or a related technical field.
- Experience through coursework, research, internships, or engineering project teams in areas such as GNC, astrodynamics, spacecraft dynamics, orbital mechanics, controls, navigation, or flight simulation.
- Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, C/C++, Rust, or similar programming languages.
- Ability to apply first-principles engineering analysis and turn that work into simulation or software.
- At least one year of experience on a technical project team such as CubeSat, Rocket Team, AIAA Design-Build-Fly, Formula SAE, or similar.
- Previous experience developing GNC, astrodynamics, simulation, or flight dynamics software for aerospace systems.
- Familiarity with spacecraft guidance, state estimation, attitude or trajectory control, Monte Carlo analysis, trajectory optimization, or hardware-in-the-loop simulation.
- Experience with tools such as TRICK, 42, GMAT, STK, Orekit, MATLAB/Simulink, or custom spacecraft simulation frameworks.
- Strong communication and technical documentation skills.
Location & details#
- This internship is based on-site in San Francisco, California.
- We are hiring for Winter 2027 and Summer 2027 terms. Please specify your availability in your application.
- Compensation is $30 per hour.
- Due to U.S. export control requirements, candidates must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen or permanent resident). We cannot provide visa sponsorship.
About Dispatch | YC P26
Dispatch builds satellites designed to manufacture products in space and return them to Earth. The company operates within the space research and technology sector. Founded in 2026, it maintains its headquarters in San Francisco, California. The organization currently employs three people.
How to get in at Dispatch | YC P26
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