Flight Software Engineering Intern (Summer 2027)

Location: Full-time, on-site in Mountain View or San Jose, California. The company is currently registered and able to hire in selected U.S. states. Access to export-controlled information requires U.S. person status, eligibility without export authorization, or eligibility and reasonable likelihood of obtaining the required authorization.

Pay range: $40/hour for Bachelor's students, $45/hour for Master's students, and $50/hour for PhD students.

Company

hirify.global is a startup that designs, builds, and operates low-Earth-orbit satellite constellations and integrated space systems for mission-critical Earth intelligence data.

What you will do

• Develop software for spacecraft and supporting development and test tools.
• Design and implement an internship-scoped flight software project with mentorship.
• Write automated tests and validate software using simulation or hardware testing.
• Investigate and debug software issues, including software-hardware interactions.
• Participate in code reviews and document software for ongoing maintenance.

Requirements

• Programming experience in C, C++, Python, or a similar language through coursework, projects, research, or internships.
• Coursework or practical experience in data structures, algorithms, and software development fundamentals.
• Ability to break down problems, test assumptions, and debug issues.
• Willingness to learn unfamiliar tools, ask questions, and communicate technical ideas.
• Ability to meet applicable U.S. export-control access requirements.

Nice to have

• Previous internship, co-op, or technical project team experience.
• Experience with robotics, programming, or rocket clubs.
• Understanding of physics and orbital mechanics.
• Experience with microcontrollers, sensors, hardware documentation, or datasheets.
• Exposure to operating systems, real-time software, communication protocols, or simulation.

Culture & Benefits

• Hands-on startup environment with direct mentorship and ownership of an end-to-end project.
• Collaboration with software and hardware engineers and experienced aerospace professionals.
• Full-time employee benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), disability and life insurance.
• Three weeks of paid vacation, 12 paid holidays, unlimited sick time, and paid parental leave are offered to employees.