Graduate Flight Dynamics Intern — Trajectory Design & Astrodynamics

The Aerospace Corporation; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 44,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health care

401(k) plan

Relocation assistance

Education assistance

Telework options

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a technically strong Master’s or PhD student for a full‑time, on‑site internship focused on flight mechanics. You will work on orbital mechanics, trajectory design, and optimization in a collaborative environment across multiple disciplines.

Applicants should be proficient in C/C++, Python, and MATLAB, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be eligible for U.S. government security clearances.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled full time in a Master’s or PhD program from an accredited college/university in Aerospace engineering.
• Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and return to degree program after completion of internship.
• Experience in space mission analysis and design, advanced astrodynamics, cislunar trajectory design and optimization, algorithm design, software development, multi-objective optimization.
• Proficiency with C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance; US citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Perform simplified and high-fidelity orbital mechanics analyses and trajectory design.
• Develop and optimize maneuver and trajectory solutions for space missions.
• Create and evolve flight dynamics tools and algorithms.
• Collaborate with customers and engineers to deliver integrated solutions.
• Leverage external tools (ASSET, SNOPT, GMAT, CasADi) to augment capabilities.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Fortran

MATLAB

Education

Master's or PhD in Aerospace engineering

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a technically strong Master’s or PhD student for a full‑time, on‑site internship focused on flight mechanics. You will work on orbital mechanics, trajectory design, and optimization in a collaborative environment across multiple disciplines.

Applicants should be proficient in C/C++, Python, and MATLAB, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be eligible for U.S. government security clearances.