2027 Rendezvous and Proximity Operations Grad Intern

The Aerospace Corporation; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care plans

Paid holidays and vacation

Telework options

Education assistance

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation seeks a summer internship in the Enterprise Effects Division (EED) with the RAID group to develop analysis software for space mission design and orbital mechanics. You will work on modeling, simulation, and integration tasks alongside senior engineers.

Ideal candidates are pursuing an MS/PhD in STEM, available for at least 10 weeks, and proficient in C/C++/Python with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a Top Secret/SCI clearance are required.

Qualifications

• Pursuing MS or PhD in STEM, enrolled by Fall 2027.
• Available for full-time internship for a minimum of 10 weeks.
• GPA 3.0 or higher.
• Proficiency in one or more of C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB.
• Must be able to obtain a Top Secret/SCI clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and mature analysis software tools for modeling, simulation, and analysis of space missions.
• Conduct analyses of system performance and architecture alternatives.
• Collaborate with Aerospace staff and other locations to deliver results.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Fortran

MATLAB

Education

MS/PhD in aerospace, physics, or math

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.

Job Summary 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 and space-enabled capabilities. The RPO Analysis and Integration Department (RAID) is one of EED’s premier orbital engagement and rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) modeling and analysis groups. We deliver impactful mission-level modeling, simulation and integration support to a variety of military and civil customers to enable the key missions that will service and protect critical space infrastructure.

What You’ll Be Doing Work closely with Aerospace technical staff to develop and mature analysis software tools that are used to conduct a range of modeling, simulation, and analysis in areas such as space mission design, orbital maneuvers, orbit estimation, and space domain awareness for RPO objectives. Conduct analyses of system performance and architecture alternatives. Interact directly with local Aerospace personnel and collaborate with Aerospace personnel in other locations.

What You Need to be Successful Pursuing a MS or PhD degree at an accredited college/university degree program in aerospace engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or other STEM-related discipline, or Senior class standing 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 degree program full-time after completion of the internship. Proficiency with one or more of the following programming languages/tools: C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB Demonstrated ability to work well independently and in teams Minimum GPA of 3.0 The ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US Government. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance Transcripts required for this position

How You Can Stand Out Research experience working as a member of a technical team Coursework or relevant experience in technical writing and technical presentation Coursework, research, or professional experience in astrodynamics/orbital mechanics topics Coursework, research, or professional experience in space-based modeling, simulation, and analysis, such as space mission analysis and design, algorithm design, and mathematical modeling coursework, research, or professional experience in advanced mathematical topics, such as optimization theory, game theory, statistical estimation, and numerical analysis coursework or relevant experience in modern software development, integration, and testing practices Prior space-related work experience for a US government agency or contractor Current DoD or SCI security clearance

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 - $48.00 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 [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. We believe our people are our most valuable resource and that’s why we propel our employees forward in their careers through ongoing education, training, and professional development.

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.