About Internships

Supporting over 100 students from more than 40 universities

A collaborative program for industry, academia, and government to address critical challenges. Discover our diverse range of internships, generously sponsored by various government organizations. We offer opportunities in fields such as aerospace, data science, cybersecurity, astrodynamics, and more.

Defense Innovation Unit

AFRL Scholars Program

AFRL Cadet Summer REsearch Program

i5 Space
  

Data Mine of the Rockies  

Our University Partners

Intern Thoughts

Don’t take our word for it – here’s what our previous interns have to say about their experience:

My team was tasked with detecting rocket launches, and I led both the interviews and the development of our ML models. We conducted 60+ interviews with military and industry experts and pitched our product to a room full of investors. The most valuable part of this experience was the connections I made. It introduced me to my mentor, helped secure funding for my graduate studies through my Army Research Laboratory fellowship, which ultimately led to my current job at NVIDIA.




Aiden Chang

University of Southern California

This summer I interned at the SDA TAP Lab in the Innovation Hub, where I developed myself significantly in my professional, academic, and interpersonal skills. I developed a space event taxonomy and multitask machine learning architecture, applying my physics and data science background to solve real SDA challenges. Additionally, through the Innovation Hub, I engaged with experts across the space industry, while working closely with my fellow interns as a team with a strong vision. Seeing our final product validated by operators was a highlight, leaving me excited to continue exploring how I can innovate within the space industry!

Tannish Chettiar

Yale University

Since October 2023, I have researched seismic launch detection (an opportunity unparalleled in typical undergraduate settings), engaged in a summer internship (researching alongside commercial cohorts and engaging in unique professional development activities), and started a nation-wide Rocketry initiative through i5 Space and the SDA TAP Lab. Opportunities at the Lab unequivocally have changed the course of my career, through an unwavering dedication to helping me grow as a leader and an admirable, contagious passion for all things space defense.


Kylyn Smith

Yale University

Last summer, I had the opportunity to work at the SDA TAP Lab on the development of an automated testing system for uncorrelated track processors. This internship blew my already high expectations out of the water, offering me an incredible chance to view the intersection of government, private companies, and my own research in a unique way. I gained industry knowledge that has guided me into new research paths and worked with awesome mentors and other amazing interns that will continue to be valuable connections for me in the future. This will remain a highlight of my college degree.

Gabriel Lundin

Texas A&M University

My time at VT-ARC has been nothing short of career-defining. I’ve gained critical industry knowledge, worked on bespoke technological solutions, maintained strict government compliance standards, and formed invaluable professional connections, all while broadening my technological skillsets and knowledge in realms not typically afforded. The IHub team stands out as one of the most professional, collaborative, and uplifting groups I’ve worked with. I truly believe that my internship with VT-ARC was the catalyst for everything that followed, and I highly recommend them as a corporate partner, employer, or engine for innovation.

Cody Peterson

Colorado Technical University

This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to intern at the SDA TAP Lab on Welder’s Arc, the Space Force’s battle management system that brings together over 100+ services to strengthen threat warning and response. I got to work on system integration, explore machine learning for uncorrelated track processing, and see firsthand how data shapes real-time decisions in space. What stood out most, though, were the people — the mentors I learned from, the connections at all the outings, and even co-founding a startup with fellow interns. The experience gave me new skills, lasting friendships, and excitement for a career in aerospace and national security.

Hong Le

Georgia Institute of Technology

Where are they now!

See the companies and programs our interns have gone on to work for