Guidance, Navigation, and Controls Intern

Hardware FYI; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

AstroForge is seeking a GNC intern to develop, implement, and test algorithms powering the world’s first asteroid mining vehicles. You will work with Guidance, Navigation, and Control engineers on attitude determination, on-board perception, and autonomy for ongoing and upcoming missions.

The role targets students in engineering or STEM fields, with programming in Python, C, C++, or Rust, and a background in dynamics and linear algebra.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in engineering or a STEM-related field.
• Proficiency with Python, C, C++, or Rust.
• Strong background in dynamics, calculus, and linear algebra.
• Experience with one or more robotics concepts (state estimation, controls, perception).

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and test algorithms for asteroid mining vehicles.
• Collaborate with GNC engineers on attitude determination and control tasks.
• Contribute to on-board perception and vehicle autonomy challenges.

Skills

Python

C

C++

Rust

State estimation

Controls

Perception

Robotics concepts

Education

Engineering or STEM degree

Tools

Hardware-in-the-loop testing

ITAR compliance

Job description

About AstroForge

At AstroForge, our mission is to make space resources accessible on Earth. We mine asteroids to extract valuable minerals in space at a lower cost and smaller carbon footprint than current terrestrial mining methods. The internship gives you a chance to work side by side with our amazing team. This position will provide you with valuable skills, experience, and mentorship necessary to become an aerospace software professional.

Job Description

As a GNC intern, you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and testing the algorithms that will power the world’s first asteroid mining vehicles. From spacecraft attitude determination & control, to on-board perception, to vehicle autonomy, you will alongside our Guidance, Navigation, and Control engineers as we tackle a wide array of challenges for both on-going and upcoming missions.

Basic Qualifications

• Must be a rising senior in undergrad or enrolled in graduate studies (at the time of the internship).
• Enrollment in an accredited college or university, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Must not be otherwise employed for the duration of the internship
• 18 years or older.
• Must be eligible to work in an ITAR compliant environment

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in engineering or a STEM-related field.
• Proficiency with Python, C, C++, or Rust.
• Strong background in dynamics, calculus, and linear algebra.
• Experience with one or more robotics concepts (e.g., state estimation, controls, perception).

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Experience testing / debugging software in hardware-in-the-loop environments.
• Aerospace project or course experience is a plus but not required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking skills.

Location: Onsite in Seal Beach

Pay Rate: $30.00 per hour

Duration: 10 weeks

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S.,a protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.