About the role#
This internship is based in our Cedar Rapids office. You will focus on the development of Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) equipment as it applies to our CMOSS and SOSA-aligned systems. This role offers hands-on exposure to advanced PNT systems and real-world engineering challenges in a mission-focused environment.
What you'll do#
- Support engineering teams with research, testing, and analysis related to PNT technologies.
- Assist with data collection, simulation, and performance evaluation of navigation systems.
- Help document test results, technical findings, and system behavior.
- Collaborate with engineers across software, hardware, systems, and integration teams.
- Support lab testing, troubleshooting, and prototype development as needed.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Interest in GPS/GNSS, inertial navigation, RF systems, sensors, signal processing, or embedded systems.
- Basic programming experience in Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a technical team environment.
- Coursework or project experience related to navigation, controls, robotics, aerospace systems, or defense technologies is a plus.
- Experience with lab equipment, data analysis, simulations, or hardware/software integration is a plus.
Location & details#
- Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States.
- Modality: On-site.
- Type: Full-time, paid internship.
- Term: Rolling.
About Pacific Defense
Pacific Defense provides electromagnetic spectrum technology solutions for military use. The company serves the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and various industry partners. Based in El Segundo, California, the firm was founded in 2020. It employs between 51 and 200 people.
How to get in at Pacific Defense
Securing an internship at Pacific Defense requires a proactive approach to application timing. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first, as early applicants get seen before the pile grows. This helps you avoid the frustration of submitting your resume into a crowded queue that may already be under review. You can also improve your odds by connecting with the right people at the firm. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the role or a referral, which materially improves response rates. A brief, professional inquiry to a recruiter often yields more insight than a standard application.
