Summer Design Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 Mission Design Summer Intern to join our astrodynamics team and contribute to innovative spacecraft mission design projects supporting the future of space exploration.

As a Mission Design Intern, you'll work alongside experienced technical staff who will provide mentorship and guidance throughout your internship. You'll gain hands-on experience solving real astrodynamics challenges, conducting mission design research, and contributing to projects connected to active space missions.

This internship is ideal for students who are passionate about orbital mechanics, spacecraft mission design, and the future of space exploration. You'll have the opportunity to apply your technical skills while learning from engineers working on some of the industry's most exciting missions. 

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 mission design research and development.

Work alongside astrodynamics engineers on summer projects focused on spacecraft mission design, trajectory analysis, and advanced spaceflight concepts.

Solve challenging astrodynamics problems.

Contribute to technical projects involving areas such as:

• NRHO station keeping 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 background in orbital mechanics, computer programming, and numerical methods to support analysis, simulation, and mission design workflows.

Share your work and findings.

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

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 mission design, navigation, guidance and control, optimization, or estimation theory.
• You have completed coursework or research related to astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, or space systems.
• You enjoy solving complex technical problems and exploring new approaches to space mission challenges.
• 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 mission design tools and simulation environments
• Optimization techniques and numerical methods
• Three-body dynamics and periodic orbit analysis
• Guidance, navigation, and control concepts
• Python, MATLAB, or other scientific computing languages
• Machine learning applications in aerospace

Success is Measured By 

• Successfully contributing to meaningful mission design and astrodynamics projects.
• Applying engineering knowledge to solve real-world spaceflight challenges.
• Developing technical skills through mentorship and hands-on experience.
• Communicating technical findings clearly through presentations and documentation.
• Building a stronger 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.