Software Engineering Intern (Fall 2026)

Rendezvous Robotics; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Rendezvous Robotics in Golden, CO is seeking a software-focused intern to contribute to flight software and ground station tooling during Fall 2026.

You will work across hardware, software, and systems engineering to test, debug, and simulate ways to extend the capabilities of modular spacecraft.

This 12- to 15-week program emphasizes hands-on learning in a small team building cutting-edge space tech.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a CS/CE degree or related field.
• Proficient in C/C++ and Python.
• Knowledge of networking and distributed systems.
• Experience with embedded Linux or bare-metal firmware.

Responsibilities

• Write and test flight software for onboard compute platform.
• Develop ground station tools for telemetry visualization and sequencing.
• Work on inter-unit communication protocols as the assembly changes.
• Contribute to simulation environments to validate logic before hardware tests.
• Debug cross-domain issues with hardware and software teams.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Networking concepts

Embedded Linux

Education

Pursuing a degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering

Job description

Golden, CO | Full-Time | 12-15 Weeks | Fall 2026

Today, everything we send to space is constrained by what fits inside a rocket fairing. That's a fundamental bottleneck to building more capable spacecraft. Rendezvous Robotics is solving this problem with electromagnetic self-assembling tiles: modular spacecraft components that rendezvous, dock, and latch to assemble bigger and more powerful spacecraft than anything that can be folded to fit into a rocket.

We're a small team based in Golden, Colorado, executing on a clear path from flight demonstration to our first operational systems. Our work spans hardware, software, and systems engineering. We are looking for the best people in the world who want to build the next generation of advanced spacecraft.

Responsibilities

• Write and test flight software for our onboard compute platform
• Build out tools for ground station operations, including telemetry visualization and command sequencing
• Work on communication protocols between units that have to keep working as the assembly changes shape or membership
• Help build simulation environments for testing new logic before it touches hardware
• Debug issues that span the software and hardware boundary, alongside the electrical team

Basic Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• Comfortable in C/C++ and Python
• Understanding of basic networking and distributed systems concepts
• Some experience with embedded Linux or bare-metal firmware

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with embedded toolchains and frameworks
• Familiarity with real-time operating systems or scheduling constraints
• Exposure to common embedded communication buses
• Any hands-on robotics, drone, or satellite project experience

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Rendezvous Robotics is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Rendezvous Robotics 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.