2027 Vehicle and Ground Concepts Grad Intern

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

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, CA is offering a graduate internship in the Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department (VGCD). You will participate in early-stage spacecraft and ground concept studies, help develop tools for design and analysis, and collaborate with VGCD staff and fellow interns.

You must be enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D. program (Aerospace, Mechanical, CS, or EE), maintain a 3.0 GPA, and be eligible for a US security clearance.

Qualifications

• Enrolled full-time in a graduate program pursuing a Master’s Degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Ability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and return to MS/PhD program after internship.
• Advanced knowledge of spacecraft subsystems, ground systems design, system engineering, or related topics.
• Ability to work both independently and in multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills; proficient with MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support early-stage design studies for spacecraft/ground concepts; manage small to large multidisciplinary teams.
• Develop, maintain, and improve tools and models used in spacecraft design and analysis.
• Collaborate with VGCD staff, program offices, and other Aerospace engineers and interns.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

MS Office

Education

Master's degree or Ph.D. in a related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Simulink

STK

C++

VBA

SolidWorks

Cameo

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.

Enterprise Effects Division Description

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 wide-ranging 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.

Vehicle Ground Concepts Department Description

The Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department (VGCD) in EED provides space vehicle and ground system preliminary/conceptual design; trade and architecture analysis, modeling, process development and leadership expertise; and tool development in support of conceptual design activities across the space enterprise. As a member of VGCD, you will be designing innovative spacecraft and ground segment solutions to meet the most pressing mission needs of our US Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers.

Work Model

This position is 100% onsite in El Segundo, CA, or Chantilly, VA.

What You'll Be Doing

As a graduate intern in the Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department (VGCD), you will be:

• Leading and supporting early-stage design studies for spacecraft/ground concepts; types of studies can include both small, individual efforts as well as larger, multidisciplinary teams of subject matter experts.
• Leading and assisting with development, maintenance, and improvement of the tools and models that are used during spacecraft design and analysis activities.
• Collaborating with and learning from VGCD staff, program office personnel, as well as other members of Aerospace's engineering group, including the large cohort of Aerospace interns.

What You Need To Be Successful

• Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited graduate program pursuing a Master's Degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a MS or PhD degree program full-time after completion of the internship.
• Advanced knowledge of and/or relevant coursework in spacecraft subsystems, ground systems design, system engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science or other related topics.
• A desire to work on both individual efforts, as well as in large multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communications skills and ability to excel in a collaborative environment; this also requires proficiency with office and collaboration tools, such as MS Office
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Transcripts required.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to changing priorities, and balance projects with conflicting time demands.
• Proficiency in modeling and simulation tools, and programming languages, including one or more of the following: MATLAB, Python, Simulink, STK, C++, VBA, SolidWorks, Cameo, or similar.
• Strong, demonstrated personal initiative.
• GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Active 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 i