2027 Photonics Technologies Graduate Intern

The Aerospace Corporation; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care plans

Paid holidays

Vacation

401(k) Plan

Relocation assistance

Education assistance programs

Flexible schedules

Telework options

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a graduate intern for the Photonics Technology Department in El Segundo, CA. You will work full-time on-site, contributing to research in RF photonics, quantum photonics, and photonic integrated circuits while developing new fabrication techniques. Ideal candidates are enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D.

program, with an undergraduate degree completed before start, a 3.0+ GPA, and proficiency in scientific programming. U.S.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Master's or Ph.D. in a related technical field.
• Undergraduate degree completed by internship start date.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Ability to obtain and maintain US government security clearance.
• U.S. citizenship required for clearance.
• Strong scientific programming skills and numerical simulation experience.

Responsibilities

• Join an interdisciplinary team on laboratory and theoretical research in photonics.
• Apply techniques to quantum technologies and RF photonics, including device characterization and simulations.
• Develop novel analysis methods for advanced photonic systems.
• Present results to management and colleagues.
• Collaborate with senior staff and other groups; adapt as needed.
• Receive training and mentorship throughout the internship.

Skills

Programming: Python

Programming: MATLAB

Programming: Mathematica

Education

Pursuing Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Quantum Science, Optics

Undergraduate degree completed by internship start

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. Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) supports the effective and timely development and operation of national security systems through scientific research and the application of advanced technologies. PSL has more than 150 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The expertise of the laboratories’ technical staff allows PSL to stay abreast of new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems. The Photonics Technology Department is hiring a graduate Intern to work in radio frequency (RF) photonics, photonic integrated circuits, quantum photonics, and/or fabrication techniques. PTD focuses on areas of photonics directed towards research and development of new capabilities for space systems, as well as ensuring that new and existing systems reliably deliver mission success in the rigors of the space environment. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Participatingwith an interdisciplinary team in ongoing laboratory and theoretical research focused on advanced photonic technologies such as quantum and microwave photonics
• Applying standard and novel techniques and procedures to carry out scientific, engineering, and/or computational tasks related to quantum technologies, RF photonics, including laboratory characterization of devices and system simulations
• Developing novel techniques for analyzing advanced photonic systems
• Presenting results to management and colleagues
• Interacting with and learning from senior staff
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed
• Training and mentorship will be provided

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 Master's or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Quantum Science, Optics, 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 Ph.D. degree program full-time after completion of the internship.
• Undergraduate degree completed by internship start date
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g. Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, or similar analytical language)
• Prior experience working in a research or prototyping lab or performing numerical simulations
• Completed coursework covering basic electrical engineering and/or physics principles
• This position requires 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.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Active security clearance
• Completed coursework in advanced physics and/or electrical engineering (such as RF communications, nanophotonics, photonic integrated circuits, nonlinear optics, quantum-related subjects)
• Experience with specialty photonics simulation packages such as Lumerical, HFSS, Comsol
• Experience performing independent research and/or development projects
• Ability to incorporate Claude Code into daily work flow
• 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

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.