Space Research and Technology · 1,001 to 5,000 employees
The Aerospace Corporation is a leading architect for the nation’s space programs, advancing capabilities that outpace threats to the country’s national security while nurturing innovative technologies to further a new era of space commercialization and exploration. Aerospace’s national workforce of more than 4,600 employees provides objective technical expertise and thought leadership to solve the hardest problems in space and assure mission success for space systems and space vehicles.
The intern will provide analytical support, algorithm development, and modeling and simulation for space surveillance systems and missions.
They will also conduct independent research and collaborate with department staff to solve complex engineering problems.
What you need
Candidates must be currently enrolled in a Master's or PhD program in physics, applied mathematics, or engineering with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens capable of obtaining a government security clearance and possess programming experience in MatLab, Python, C, C++, or JAVA.
Education: a bachelor's degree or a postgraduate degree
The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.
The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space-enabled mission effects.
The Space Control and Awareness Department (SCAD) is seeking a new graduate intern team member to support space domain awareness analyses. SCAD performs concept development, systems engineering, architecture analysis, algorithm development and evaluation support for national security space customers emphasizing space domain awareness (SDA), Radar, Electro-Optical (EO) and Infrared (IR) sensors, orbit determination, positioning navigation and timing (PNT), and space protection and security.
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Colorado Springs, CO or El Segundo, CA.
What You’ll Be Doing
Provide astrodynamics analytical support, algorithm development and modeling and simulation analysis for space surveillance systems and missions.
Support modeling of SDA and sensor tracking of satellites.
Conduct a range of analyses using modeling, simulation and analysis capabilities including in-house, custom and commercially available/government provided modeling tools
Apply standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of prescribed scientific and/or engineering tasks.
Proactively network with department/subdivision staff and conduct independent research to solve problems and assignments given by task leads, with guidance from management or senior technical leaders
Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed
Training and mentorship will be provided
What Corporate Skills You’ll Build
Strong written and oral communication skills
Work well in a team environment
Possess organizational, time management and project management skills
Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need
Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
Currently enrolled or accepted to enroll in a full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Master's or PhD degree in physics, applied mathematics, engineering or related discipline
Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a Master's or PhD degree program full-time after completion of the internship
Bachelor's degree completed by internship start date
Minimum GPA 3.0
Experience programming in MatLab, Python, C, C++ or JAVA
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
Transcripts
How You Can Stand Out:
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
GPA 3.5 or higher
Active security clearance
Experience in developing and delivering presentations, leading small groups, etc.
Experience in working in an autonomous work environment on complex projects
Software design, development, unit testing and integration experience
Experience in Space Domain Awareness, Orbit Determination, filtering, or PNT analyses
Experience in modeling of EO and radar sensor systems
Temporary housing assistance is not available.
We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
(Min - Max)
$32.00 - $38.00
Pay Basis: Hourly
Leadership Competencies
Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:
Operate Strategically
Lead Change
Engage with Impact
Foster Innovation
Deliver Results
Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.
Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:
Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
Education assistance programs
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect
We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.