Internship Optimization Engineer Jobs in Denver, CO

Advanced Space | 2027 Summer Internship | Onsite 

We're going to the Moon. Think you've got what it takes? 

About the Role 

At Advanced Space, we're enabling humanity's return to the Moon and building the technologies that will take us to Mars and beyond. We're looking for a 2027 Navigation Summer Intern to join our astrodynamics team and contribute to innovative spacecraft navigation and mission design projects.

As a Navigation Intern, you'll work alongside experienced technical staff who will provide mentorship and guidance throughout your internship. You'll gain hands-on experience solving complex navigation challenges, conducting technical research, and supporting projects connected to real space missions.

This internship is ideal for students passionate about orbital mechanics, spacecraft navigation, and the future of space exploration. You'll have the opportunity to apply your technical skills while learning from engineers developing navigation solutions for missions to the Moon and beyond.

About Advanced Space 

Advanced Space exists to enable the sustainable exploration, development, and settlement of space through innovative software, mission services, and technology solutions. As the owner and operator of NASA's CAPSTONE mission and the Prime Contractor for AFRL's Oracle mission, we're helping shape the future of cislunar exploration while supporting commercial, civil, and national security customers. 

Our team combines deep technical expertise with an entrepreneurial mindset. We move quickly, collaborate across disciplines, and empower every engineer to make meaningful contributions. If you're passionate about solving challenging problems and seeing your work fly in space, you'll fit right in. 

What You'll Actually Do 

Support spacecraft navigation and astrodynamics projects.

Work alongside technical staff on summer projects focused on spacecraft navigation, trajectory analysis, and advanced mission design concepts.

Solve challenging spaceflight problems.

Contribute to projects involving areas such as:

• NRHO stationkeeping strategies
• Rendezvous and proximity operations
• Transfers between periodic orbits in the three-body problem
• Interplanetary mission design with multiple gravity assists
• Aerocapture flight mechanics
• Trajectory optimization using evolutionary algorithms
• Reinforcement learning applications for trajectory design
• Optical navigation using artificial intelligence algorithms

Apply engineering and programming skills.

Use your knowledge of orbital mechanics, programming, and numerical methods to support spacecraft navigation analysis and research.

Share your work and findings.

Present project results through technical reports, presentations, and discussions with members of the astrodynamics and navigation teams.

Who Thrives Here 

• You are currently pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or another engineering discipline.
• You have a strong foundation in orbital mechanics and computer programming.
• You have an interest in spacecraft navigation, mission design, guidance and control, optimization, or estimation theory.
• You enjoy solving complex technical problems and exploring new approaches to space mission challenges.
• You have completed coursework or research related to astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, or space systems.
• You are curious, collaborative, and excited to learn from experienced aerospace engineers.

Bonus Points if You Have Experience With

• Undergraduate or graduate research in orbital mechanics or astrodynamics
• Spacecraft navigation or orbit determination concepts
• Guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems
• Optimization techniques and numerical methods
• Three-body dynamics and periodic orbit analysis
• Python, MATLAB, or other scientific computing languages
• Machine learning applications in aerospace

Success is Measured By 

• Successfully contributing to spacecraft navigation and astrodynamics projects.
• Applying engineering knowledge to real-world spaceflight challenges.
• Developing technical skills through mentorship and hands-on experience.
• Communicating technical findings clearly through reports and presentations.
• Building a strong foundation for a future career in spacecraft mission design and navigation.

Why Join Advanced Space 

• Gain hands-on experience supporting real missions to the Moon and beyond.
• Work alongside engineers solving some of the most challenging problems in space exploration.
• Apply classroom knowledge to real aerospace projects.
• Receive mentorship and guidance from experienced technical staff.
• Be part of a team that's passionate about delivering innovation to orbit-and beyond.

Compensation & Benefits 

• Competitive internship compensation: $26-$35/hour
• Housing stipend
• Mentorship and guidance from technical staff
• Opportunities to contribute to research projects directly tied to active space missions
• Collaborative work environment at our Westminster, Colorado headquarters

 Advanced Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.