Software Engineering Intern (2027 Summer Internship)

Northwood; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwood Space is seeking a Software Engineer Intern for Summer 2027 to support the design, implementation, and optimization of data movement within our global ground station network infrastructure.

You'll collaborate with software, network, and FPGA engineers to build scalable, observable, and fault-tolerant systems, focusing on low-latency, high-throughput data distribution and hybrid deployments across on-premises and cloud environments.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Knowledge of programming languages such as Rust, C++, Golang.
• Interest in systems programming, networking protocols (such as TCP/IP), and distributed systems.
• Familiarity with cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud) is a plus
• Exposure to continuous integration, deployment, or containerization tools (Docker, Terraform) is beneficial
• Strong problem-solving skills, with an eagerness to learn and grow in a collaborative environment

Responsibilities

• Assist in defining secure and scalable interfaces for payload data transfer, focusing on simplicity and extensibility
• Work with teams to support the design and implementation of Northwood's data plane, integrating on-premises and cloud environments for low-latency, high-throughput data distribution
• Participate in developing, testing, and maintaining data movement and processing pipelines capable of managing large volumes of data
• Contribute to creating a system that is observable, fault-tolerant, and reliable to meet Northwood's uptime requirements
• Gain hands-on experience with networking devices and protocols
• Collaborate with other software, network, and FPGA engineers to optimize Northwood's hybrid network and software deployments for performance and scalability

Skills

Rust

C++

Golang

Systems programming

Networking protocols

Distributed systems

Education

Pursuing CS/SE degree

Tools

Docker

Terraform

Job description

Northwood is a modern space infrastructure company bringing the benefits of space to the masses through advanced communications technology. We are building a global network of phased array ground stations that enable real-time, reliable communication for satellite missions such as national security, global connectivity, and disaster response. With a vertically integrated approach, Northwood designs, builds, and rapidly deploys scalable systems that power the next generation of space missions. If you like solving complex challenges and seeing your work deployed around the world with real impact, Northwood is the place to do it.

Role:

Northwood is seeking a motivated Software Engineer Intern for Summer 2027 with a strong interest in networking and scalable distributed systems. As a Software Engineering intern at Northwood, you'll support the design, implementation, and optimization of data movement within our global ground station network infrastructure. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to help build innovative solutions that ensure reliability, efficiency, and scalability across our systems.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in defining secure and scalable interfaces for payload data transfer, focusing on simplicity and extensibility

• Work with teams to support the design and implementation of Northwood's data plane, integrating on-premises and cloud environments for low-latency, high-throughput data distribution

• Participate in developing, testing, and maintaining data movement and processing pipelines capable of managing large volumes of data

• Contribute to creating a system that is observable, fault-tolerant, and reliable to meet Northwood's uptime requirements

• Gain hands-on experience with networking devices and protocols

• Collaborate with other software, network, and FPGA engineers to optimize Northwood's hybrid network and software deployments for performance and scalability

Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field

• Knowledge of programming languages such as Rust, C++, Golang

• Interest in systems programming, networking protocols (such as TCP/IP), and distributed systems

• Familiarity with cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud) is a plus

• Exposure to continuous integration, deployment, or containerization tools (Docker, Terraform) is beneficial

• Strong problem-solving skills, with an eagerness to learn and grow in a collaborative environment

Additional Information:

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Northwood Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Northwood Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.