Software Application Developer Intern for GOES-R Series Satellites

Join our 12-week immersive program supporting the future of environmental monitoring through the GOES-R Series of geostationary satellites. As a Student Mission Application Developer, you'll work alongside mission-driven experts, contributing to the development, integration, and deployment of cutting-edge software that processes, distributes, visualizes, and monitors satellite imagery and observations.

This role is designed for students passionate about applying their programming and analytical skills to real-world systems that protect lives and property and enable more accurate weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and hazard detection.

This internship is available part-time year-round, with opportunities for full-time work during summer and academic breaks. The preferred location is the National Weather Service Headquarters in Silver Spring, MD, though remote participation may be considered for well-qualified candidates who can work independently.

Your Impact

• Help build and optimize operational software systems supporting the NOAA Satellite mission software systems
• Contribute to visualization interfaces and data processing tools used by scientists and forecasters nationwide
• Play an active role in software testing, refinement, and deployment
• Collaborate with an expert team supporting one of NOAA’s flagship missions
• Grow technical skills and professional experience in an impactful, mission-driven setting

Many past interns have contributed directly to operational NOAA software systems, with several moving on to full-time careers after graduation.

Who Should Apply

We’re looking for curious and motivated rising juniors, seniors, or graduate students with a background in:

• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Meteorology
• Atmospheric or Physical Sciences

If you’re excited about applying technology to real-world environmental missions, we want to hear from you.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited university
• Solid foundation in mathematics and geometry, including basic integral calculus and two semesters of college-level physics
• Proficiency in Python, including object-oriented programming and scientific libraries like NumPy and SciPy
• Functional knowledge of Linux (RedHat/CentOS), bash commands, and basic text editors like vi
• Familiarity with Git version control workflows

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with Agile or Scrum software development practices
• Basic knowledge of SQL or NoSQL databases
• Interest in scientific software development and maintaining robust, scalable code
• Exposure to Docker or cloud-based deployment environments
• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities
• Eagerness to learn and explore new tools and techniques

Optional Focus Areas

Depending on your academic focus and project needs, assignments may include:

• Scientific visualization using JavaScript (e.g., D3.js)
• Processing satellite imagery for feature extraction and environmental analysis
• Data science techniques for usage modeling, monitoring, and system diagnostics

What We Offer

• Mentorship: Personalized guidance from experienced engineers and scientists
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to NOAA systems with real-world national impact
• Professional Development: Build technical, analytical, and leadership skills
• Pathways to Full-Time Roles: Many of our interns go on to join KBR or our partner organizations in full-time positions
• Inclusive Culture: We believe that diverse teams build better solutions, and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply

Compensation

$45,600 – $56,900/year equivalent
Final rate determined by location, qualifications, and schedule. Hourly pay will be adjusted for part-time or full-time availability.

Eligibility

• U.S. Citizenship is required due to the nature of the work
• We believe in building a diverse and inclusive workplace—we welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives