Chemical Propulsion Research Intern — Space Systems

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health care and wellness

Paid holidays, sick time, vacation

Telework options

401(k) Plan with company contributions

Relocation assistance

Education assistance

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation invites applications for a Chemical Propulsion Graduate Intern based in El Segundo, CA. You will join the Propulsion Science Department to develop and test propulsion technologies, working full-time on-site for a minimum of 10 weeks.

You’ll contribute to ground and flight propulsion research, with mentorship and hands-on lab experience. Ideal candidates are enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering.
• Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks and return to a full-time graduate program after.
• Undergraduate degree completed by internship start date.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Familiarity with MATLAB, SolidWorks, Python, LabVIEW, or report writing.
• Coursework in propulsion, combustion, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and chemistry.
• Experience supporting laboratory test operations and familiarity with safety protocols.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. and not require visa sponsorship.
• Transcripts required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and apply chemical propulsion technologies to support national security and civil space programs.
• Lead and execute advanced propulsion research and development, initiating experiments from the ground up.
• Safely conduct experiments within propulsion research facilities and laboratories.
• Explore research areas including booster-class propulsion, in-space propulsion, solid motors, and propulsion diagnostics.
• Duties may change and new ones may be assigned; mentorship will be provided.

Skills

Strong written and verbal comm.

Teamwork

Project management

Safety protocols

Education

Pursuing Master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace/Mechanical/Chemical Engineering

Undergraduate degree completed by internship start

Tools

MATLAB

SolidWorks

Python

LabVIEW

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation invites applications for a Chemical Propulsion Graduate Intern based in El Segundo, CA. You will join the Propulsion Science Department to develop and test propulsion technologies, working full-time on-site for a minimum of 10 weeks.

You’ll contribute to ground and flight propulsion research, with mentorship and hands-on lab experience. Ideal candidates are enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D.