2027 Digital Signals & RF Engineering Undergrad Intern

The Aerospace Corporation; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Digital Signals & RF Engineering Undergrad Intern for the DCID in the Mission Payloads Division (MPD). This 100% onsite internship will be based at our El Segundo, CA office, offering hands‑on experience in advanced signal processing and RF engineering.

DCID develops software‑defined radio and FPGA based prototypes for GNSS, PNT, and related digital communication systems, with projects like CubeSat SlingShot and the PACE Lab.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled full‑time in an accredited college/university pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer or related engineering discipline.
• Availability to work full‑time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and return to a degree program after completion.
• Experience with coding or programming using MATLAB, C/C++, Python, VHDL.
• General working knowledge of digital signal processing and Digital Communications concepts.
• Familiarity with digital circuit design principles and DevOps.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Learn how to develop and implement signal processing algorithms for GPS/GNSS/Software Defined Radio receivers and related transceivers.
• Support analysis of signal processing performance using Python or similar simulation environments.
• Prototype cutting‑edge real‑time systems for emulation and proof of concept.
• Document work products in briefs and technical reports for customers and colleagues.

Skills

Strong communication

Team player

Organizational skills

Adaptability

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer or related engineering

Tools

MATLAB

C/C++

Python

VHDL

Job description

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 Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Digital Signals & RF Engineering Undergrad Intern for the DCID in the Mission Payloads Division (MPD).

This position will be full-time, 100%- onsite at our office in El Segundo, CA.

At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

Job Summary

DCID uses software-defined radios and FPGA technology to develop advanced communication and navigation system prototypes (GNSS, PNT, GPS, etc.) that solve the toughest problems related to digital communication systems. DCID’s support includes guiding the acquisition of next generation communication and navigation systems needed by our customers, helping industry implement cutting edge technology and creating innovative solutions to our customers’ most challenging problems. Our group supports exciting programs such as the Aerospace CubeSat SlingShot Platform, development of the Payload Characterization and Environments (PACE) Lab, and compete in challenges such as the Blind Signal Classification Challenge. Please join us on the leading edge of digital communications.

What You'll Be Doing

Learn how to develop and implement signal processing algorithms with applications to GPS / GNSS/Software Defined Radio receivers and/or communication transceivers and/or digital signal processing on FPGA hardware or in software.

Support teams in the analysis of signal processing performance using Python, or similar simulation environments.

Participate in efforts for prototyping cutting-edge real-time systems for emulation and proof of concept.

Assist in research pertaining to signal processing, GNSS technology/future development and Alternative PNT concepts.

Document work products in briefings and/or technical reports to customers and colleagues.

Corporate Skills You'll Bring

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Must 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

• Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer or related engineering discipline from an accredited college or university
• Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a degree program full-time after completion of the internship.
• Experience with coding or programming using MATLAB, C/C++, Python, VHDL
• General working knowledge and interest with digital signal processing and Digital Communications concepts
• Familiarity with digital circuit design principles.
• Understanding of DevOps.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government.
• U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Transcripts required.

How You Can Stand Out

• Active security clearance
• Academic / project experience with any of the above concepts or principles
• 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) $25.00 - $30.00 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.

• 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

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 [e-mail] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

Right Place

The Aerospace Corporation has over 26 locations nationwide, which allows us to build a workforce that will nurture the best ideas, and generate the most novel innovations and solutions to our nation’s toughest space enterprise challenges.

Right Path

Aerospace covers all stages of the space lifecycle, from concept to operations.

Right Purpose

We can all serve a mission much greater than ourselves, and at Aerospace that is exactly what we do. By hiring the industry’s most preeminent scientists and engineers, Aerospace advances emerging technologies that protect some of the most critical missions on Earth and above it.

Aerospace employees working in organizations with technical responsibilities are required to obtain a Security Clearance. U.S. citizenship is required for those positions.