2027 Trajectory Optimization Graduate Intern

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

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation invites applications for a Trajectory Optimization Graduate Intern – Flight Mechanics to advance spacecraft trajectory analyses and optimization across Earth-centric and interplanetary missions. The role supports design studies, pre-launch analyses, and mission operations, with mentorship and teamwork emphasis.

Strong candidates are pursuing a Master’s or PhD in relevant engineering or math fields, proficient in C, Fortran, Python, or MATLAB, and able to obtain a

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Master’s or PhD in aeronautical/astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics is strongly desired.
• Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term.
• First year of graduate school completed by internship start date.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply advanced techniques for solving flight mechanics and astrodynamics problems.
• Perform trajectory simulation and optimization of spacecraft, launch vehicles, upper stages, missiles, and reentry vehicles.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team on ongoing research or technical programs.

Skills

C programming

Fortran

Python

MATLAB

Security clearance

Education

Master’s or PhD in aeronautical/astronautical engineering

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 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 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. As a core component of EED, the Earth Orbit Flight Dynamics Department (EOFDD) provides flight mechanics expertise for launch vehicles and space vehicles. Relevant skills include orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, trajectory design and optimization, and atmospheric flight modeling and simulation. The selected candidate will provide expertise for a wide range of customer flight mechanics needs, supporting both analysis and research and development requests. The work will require candidates to provide deep technical solutions while also collaborating with engineering partners to facilitate integrated solutions for our customers’ hardest problems. Customers will include defense, intelligence, and civil and commercial organizations.

The Trajectory Optimization Graduate Intern will provide trajectory analysis and optimization support for spacecraft, launch, reentry vehicles, and missiles, for Earth-centric and interplanetary missions. This opportunity will support conceptual design/technology assessments, pre-launch analysis for on-contract programs, launch and Mission Ops, and end-of-life phases. Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) trajectory design and Cis-Lunar trajectory work will also be focal points for this role. The Trajectory Intern will provide trajectory optimization insights for contested space applications in addition to traditional mission‑needs over the summer internship. Work Model Candidate selected will work full time, onsite in El Segundo, CA, Colorado Springs, CO, Chantilly, VA, or Albuquerque, NM.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop and apply advanced techniques for solving flight mechanics and astrodynamics problems
• Perform trajectory simulation and performance optimization of spacecraft, launch vehicles, upper stages, missiles, and reentry vehicles
• Participate with an interdisciplinary team in ongoing research or technical programs with academic collaboration partners
• Apply standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of prescribed scientific and/or engineering tasks
• Work on business or engineering full life‑cycle projects from project inception through launch
• Training and mentorship will be provided

Performance Standards for Our Internship Positions Include:

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Must work well in a team environment
• Must possess strong 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
• Demonstrate behavior that is consistent with the company’s values of Dedication to Mission Success, Technical Excellence, Commitment to Our People, Objectivity and Integrity, and Innovation

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Trajectory Optimization Graduate Intern – Flight Mechanics position:

• Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Master’s or PhD Degree in aeronautical, astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines is strongly desired
• 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
• First year of graduate school completed by internship start date
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Graduate Level Course work, research and/or experience in one or more of the following areas: Orbit mechanics, hypersonic flight simulation, optimal control, flight mechanics, trajectory modeling and simulation
• Experience programming in C, Fortran, Python, or MATLAB
• Software design, development, unit testing, and integration experience
• Must be able to obtain a security clearance; US Citizenship required
• Transcripts required for this position

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
• Temporary housing assistance is not available.

Compensation

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.

• (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

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.

Return to the Aerospace Careers site.

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