Software Engineering Intern – Mechatronics and Simulation

Location: Berthoud, CO (On-site)
Job Type: Full-time Internship (Summer)
Company: Origami Space Development, Inc.

About Us

Origami Space is a venture-backed startup developing next-generation systems that radically change how space and defense missions connect, sense, and communicate. In 2 years, we’ve secured multiple NASA and DoW contracts. Our team blends origami-inspired engineering with advanced manufacturing to create scalable, high-performance systems for land, air, and space domains.

We move fast, break down barriers, and give our engineers the chance to make a direct impact on mission success from day one.

Position Overview

Do you enjoy writing software to control a robot, automate a test stand, simulate a physical system, or make hardware do something useful in the real world?

We are seeking a Software Engineering Intern – Mechatronics and Simulation to support active engineering programs through software development, simulation, automation, and hardware integration. We’re looking for someone who has shown initiative in tackling complex technical challenges through coursework, personal projects, research, internships, or other independent work. The right candidate demonstrates curiosity, creativity, and a hacker mentality to turn ideas into working tools quickly.

In this role, you’ll work directly with engineers and founders on projects that support deployable aerospace systems, Ground Support Equipment (GSE), manufacturing automation, test systems, and simulation-driven design. This is a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of software, hardware, robotics, controls, and aerospace engineering.

If you enjoy writing code that interacts with real-world systems, building simulations, and automating hardware, this role will put you in the middle of a fast-moving technical team.

Responsibilities

· Write software tools to support engineering design, simulation, testing, and manufacturing workflows.
· Develop Python, C/C++, JavaScript, or similar code to interface with sensors, actuators, motion systems, test equipment, and engineering hardware.
· Support mechatronics projects involving motors, embedded systems, data acquisition, controls, and automated test setups.
· Build simulations of mechanical, robotic, deployable, or aerospace systems to support design decisions and test planning.
· Assist in automating manufacturing processes, fixtures, test stands, and assembly methods.
· Analyze test data and create visualization tools, dashboards, scripts, or reports for engineering teams.
· Support integration and troubleshooting of software with physical hardware.
· Work with mechanical and electrical engineers to improve prototype performance, reliability, and repeatability.
· Contribute to internal software tools that help Origami Space move faster from concept to prototype to production.

Qualifications

· Currently pursuing a BS or MS degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or related field.
· Demonstrated experience with Python, C/C++, JavaScript, or similar programming languages.
· Interest in mechatronics, robotics, simulation, controls, automation, or hardware/software integration.
· Interest in taking a technical problem from concept to a working prototype or useful software tool.
· Comfortable debugging systems where software interacts with real-world hardware.
· Hands-on mindset and comfortable with prototyping, testing, and iteration.
· Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
· Must be able to work on-site in Berthoud, CO.
· Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. A clearance is not required at the time of application.

Preferred (not required):

· Experience with robotics, CNC systems, motion control, sensors, embedded systems, or test automation.
· Experience with physics-based modeling
· Familiarity with data acquisition systems, serial communication, CAN, Ethernet, USB, or lab/test equipment interfaces.
· Familiarity with CAD, mechanical systems, aerospace hardware, composites, or deployable structures.
· Experience with Git, Linux, microcontrollers, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, STM32, ESP32, or similar platforms.
· Personal projects involving robots, drones, CNC machines, automation systems, games, simulations, or engineering tools.

What We Offer

· Opportunity to make an immediate impact on NASA and DoW programs.
· Hands-on experience with aerospace hardware, mechatronics, automation, simulation, and advanced manufacturing.
· A collaborative venture-backed startup culture where your work directly influences product outcomes.
· Exposure to the full lifecycle: design, prototyping, software development, manufacturing, test, and delivery.
· Mentorship from senior engineers and company founders.
· Paid internship

Job Type: Full-time Internship (Summer)

Work Location: In person

Pay: $20.00 - $30.00 per hour

Ability to Commute:

• Berthoud, CO 80513 (Required)

Work Location: In person