Autonomy Engineer Intern

Eradrive, Inc.; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

EraDrive is seeking engineering interns to work on autonomy software and hardware with real responsibility. Interns tackle the same technical challenges as full-time engineers and are evaluated against the same standards of ownership and rigor.

Choose one or two focus areas (GNC, Hardware & Embedded Testing, Software Systems, AI/ML) and contribute to real-world spaceflight projects using C++ and Python, with potential conversion to full-time roles.

Qualifications

• Strong fundamentals in at least one relevant technical area.
• Ability to write clear, correct code in C++ or Python.
• Evidence of building real systems, not just coursework.
• Comfort working in a small, fast-moving team with real responsibility.
• Clear communication and willingness to own outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement autonomy, navigation, perception, or control algorithms.
• Build simulation and testing infrastructure for mission-scale evaluation.
• Develop C++ and Python code used in software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop systems.
• Train, evaluate, and deploy AI/ML models using synthetic and real sensor data.
• Bring up and test real hardware payloads, sensors, and embedded systems.
• Own a well-scoped technical problem from design through validation and delivery.

Skills

C++

Python

Real systems

Tools

Git

CI/CD

Job description

EraDrive’s vision is to revolutionize spaceflight through autonomy on-orbit and on the ground. We build software and hardware which allow spacecraft to see, decide, and act with minimal human supervision. Our software is already flying in space, and we are scaling it into a product family covering on-orbit inspection and rendezvous, space-based sensing and situational awareness, constellation and space traffic management, and deep space operations.

This is not a generic internship. Interns at EraDrive work on the same technical problems as full-time engineers and are evaluated against the same bar for ownership, rigor, and execution. Many interns will be considered for full-time roles.

Focus areas

When applying, select one or two of the following focus areas. Your work will align closely with the corresponding full-time role(s).

• Guidance, Navigation & Control
• Hardware & Embedded Testing
• Software Systems
• AI/ML

What you will do

Depending on focus area, you may:

• Design and implement autonomy, navigation, perception, or control algorithms
• Build simulation and testing infrastructure for mission-scale evaluation
• Develop C++ and Python code used in software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop systems
• Train, evaluate, and deploy AI/ML models using synthetic and real sensor data
• Bring up and test real hardware payloads, sensors, and embedded systems
• Own a well-scoped technical problem from design through validation and delivery

What you bring

• Strong fundamentals in at least one relevant technical area
• Ability to write clear, correct code in C++, Python, or both
• Evidence of building real systems, not just coursework
• Comfort working in a small, fast-moving team with real responsibility
• Clear communication and willingness to own outcomes

Who should apply

• Undergraduate, master’s, or PhD students in engineering or a closely related field
• Candidates interested in eventually converting to a full-time role at EraDrive
• People who want depth, responsibility, and real impact