2027 Digital Systems Engineering Graduate Intern

aero; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation invites a Graduate Summer Intern to develop, simulate, and analyze digital system models for space, ground, and launch architectures with a focus on MBSE methods and modeling standards.

You will contribute to challenging projects, build digital threads, and explore digital twin concepts while working on-site in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA for a minimum of 10 weeks.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing an MS or PhD in a relevant engineering field.
• OR BS degree completed by internship start date and enrolled in a graduate STEM degree program in Fall 2027.

Responsibilities

• Build, validate, and simulate digital system models representing space/defense architectures.
• Develop queries and AI applications to interrogate models for stakeholder questions.
• Assist with federating digital system models with other engineering models to yield end-to-end digital thread models.
• Develop virtual twin models that interact with the physical twin via live telemetry updates.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Adaptability

Interpersonal skills

Education

MS or PhD in Aerospace/EE/ME/Systems Engineering

BS + enrolled in graduate STEM program

Tools

Cameo Simulation Toolkit

MATLAB

Simulink

SimEvents

ModelCenter

Cameo Systems Modeler

Sparx Enterprise Architect

Rhapsody

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 Systems Engineering Division (SED) offers unparalleled expertise in systems engineering to the U.S. government and various public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced development and application of space systems. From systems CONOPs and architecture development to system design and analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED leverages a vast array of engineering and business disciplines across a diverse and dynamic portfolio of space programs and national challenges spanning the total space system lifecycle.

The Digital Systems Engineering Department (DSED ), part of SED, leads the charge in advancing the application of digital system models, digital threads and digital twin capabilities throughout the systems engineering lifecycle. Our work in Digital Engineering (DE) and Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) encompasses research, prototyping, development, independent assessments, training, and guidance to help our customers realize complex space and defense systems .

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA.

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Graduate Summer Intern to join our team. This internship offers a hands-on opportunity to develop, simulate, and analyze digital system models for space, ground, and launch architectures with a focus on MBSE methods, tools, and modeling language standards. As part of the DSED team, you will contribute to innovative and challenging projects that shape the future of digital systems engineering.

What You'll be Doing

• System Architecture and Design: Build, validate, and simulate digital system models representing complex space and defense system architectures and design solutions.
• System Analysis: Develop complex queries and AI applications that interrogate digital system models for specific information, answering stakeholder questions.
• Digital Thread Implementation: Assist with federating digital system models with other digital engineering models (mechanical, structural, electrical, software), yielding end-to-end digital thread models.
• Digital Twin Realization: Develop virtual twin system models that interact with the corresponding physical twin through live telemetry updates.

What 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 an M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline
• OR BS degree completed by internship start date and enrolled in a graduate STEM degree program beginning Fall 2027 .
• Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a ( Master's/Phd) degree program full-time after completion of the internship.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Foundational knowledge and some hands-on experience with simulation and analysis tools (e.g., Cameo Simulation Toolkit, MATLAB, Simulink, SimEvents, ModelCenter). A willingness to learn additional tools and languages is essential.
• Familiarity with descriptive modeling languages (e.g., UML, SysML v1/SysML v2, UAFML) and modeling tools (e.g., Cameo Systems Modeler, Sparx Enterprise Architect, or Rhapsody).
• Understanding of modeling methodologies such as OOSEM, MagicGrid, or SysMod is a plus.
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the United States government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Transcripts required

How You Can Stand Out

• Minimum 3.3 GPA.
• Experience with scripting or programming languages such as python, groovy, Java, or C++.
• Experience with modeling languages and tools including one or more of the following: SysML, Cameo, Simulink, MATLAB, or similar.
• Knowledge of systems engineering lifecycle activities, including concept development, requir