Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Intern - GNC
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Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you’re not just part of the system – you’re a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation’s defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you’re driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you’ll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let’s redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!
Terran Orbital is seeking an Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) Intern - GNC to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Sr. Product Director, GNC Sensor Modules the AI/ML Intern will help advance the performance of our next‑generation FPGA‑based Luminary Star Tracker (FLST). In this role, you’ll apply machine learning to a real spacecraft navigation system, working hands‑on with simulation tools, hardware‑in‑the‑loop setups, and GPU platforms such as NVIDIA Jetson.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Generate and validate star field data for model training using simulation tools and NASA catalogs
- Collect and preprocess telemetry/sensor data from the FLST
- Develop and tune ML models to improve star tracker slew rate (target: 5°/sec)
- Integrate algorithms into simulation environments and support hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing
- Collaborate with engineers to solve AI‑hardware timing and interface challenges
- Document findings and present project results to technical and executive stakeholder
Required Qualifications and Skills
- Pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or related field
- Able to work full time, onsite in Irvine, CA for 8 – 12 weeks starting in June 2026 (no relocation stipend, must be local).
- Experience with Python and ML frameworks (scikit‑learn, TensorFlow, or PyTorch)
- Interest in AI applied to real sensors and embedded systems
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
- Hands‑on comfort with lab equipment and experimental iteration
- U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications and Skills
- Experience with NVIDIA GPUs/Jetson, high‑performance computing, or AI agents
- Familiarity with control systems, signal processing, or embedded hardware
- Exposure to MATLAB/Simulink or Python‑based simulation environments
Salary Range
- Freshman/Sophomore - $25 per hour
- Junior - $27.50 per hour
- Senior/Graduate - $30 per hour
Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!
Full-time positions only:
Benefits
- 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
- 401(k) Match
- Flexible Time Off (FTO)
- Education Reimbursement
- Competitive Paid Parental Leave
About Terran Orbital
Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com
Physical Demands
An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.
Work Environment
The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.
Disclaimers
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant 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. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.
Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hr@terranorbital.com.
Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.
And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.
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