2027 Systems Integration and Test Engineer Graduate Intern

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 Description

The Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges. 

As part of the System Realization Subdivision (SRS), the Systems Integration and Test Office (SITO) provides expertise in systems integration, technology insertion, and systems engineering applied to test campaign management. SITO is the Aerospace Engineering Technology Group (ETG) source of expertise in Systems Integration - including technology insertion, system engineering, acquisition, and pre-acquisition activities. SITO is responsible for: (1) developing strategies related to system testing capabilities, (2) supporting system test activities for critical assets, and (3) integrating those capabilities into the larger enterprise. This position entails supporting programs executed in multiple regions and intelligence disciplines, including but not limited to satellite programs and ground systems. As a member of this department, you will be supporting the technical and programmatic test and integration activities for satellite, launch vehicle, and associated ground systems across many customers (i.e., U.S. Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers).

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Work in a team to lead systems engineering and integration knowledge in defining and developing a mission, organizational, physical, functional, signal, hardware/software, and operational interfaces. Help with high-level and detailed test planning, test architecture, test design, test execution, test and data evaluation, anomaly and deficiency, resolution, and residual risk assessment for operationally realistic and system performance testing.
• Work in a team to lead and support space constellation or architecture, space vehicle, ground, or user equipment design studies; types of studies can include both small, individual efforts as well as larger, multidisciplinary teams of subject matter experts. Provide direct integration support to programs in all phases of the acquisition life cycle through Launch and Initialization and Operations.
• Assisting with development, maintenance, and improvement of design tools and models used during constellation/architecture Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), spacecraft design, space ground segment, or user equipment, and analysis activities. Also assist with the requirements for engineering models, simulations, test beds, and special test equipment for all organizations involved with system testing.
• Work in a team environment to apply systems engineering expertise on requirements analysis, concept/technology development, architecture analysis, risk assessments, and test & evaluation for space (or other) systems.
• Conduct systems, and systems of systems analysis and trade studies utilizing MBSE. Capture system requirements traceability within the system architecture model. Apply MBSE methodology to develop system architectural views using Systems Modeling Language (e.g., SysML).
• Collaborating with and learning from staff, program office personnel, as well as other members of Aerospace’s Engineering Technology Group, including the large cohort of Aerospace interns.

What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring 

• Strong written and oral communication skills 
• Must work well in a team environment
• Possess organizational, time management and project management skills 
• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to changing priorities, and balance projects with conflicting time demands

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:

• Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited graduate program as a second year Master’s Degree student or PhD student in Systems Engineering, Information Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Systems Engineering (Cybersecurity), Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 or better on 4.0 scale (for both Undergraduate and Graduate degrees)
• Knowledge of and/or relevant coursework involving complex system design, development, or integration, optimizing complex processes and systems, spacecraft subsystems, system engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science or other related topics
• Proficiency with office and collaboration tools, such as MS Office
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the United States government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
• Transcripts required

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have:

• Active U.S. security clearance.
• Experience working in integrated (multi-disciplinary/inter-disciplinary) teams in a senior design (or thesis) project, capstone (design) project, previous internship, cooperative education, or industry expertise in systems engineering, system integration, and system testing.
• Proficiency in modeling and simulation tools (e.g., Cameo Systems Modeler), MBSE, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), Digital Engineering, Mission Engineering, and programming languages, including one or more of the following: SysML, MATLAB, Python, Simulink, STK, C++, VBA, SolidWorks, or similar.
• Proficiency in modeling and simulation tools, Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), other MBSE software tools, simulation and analysis tools (i.e., digital twins, digital engineering, or other virtual representations of objects or systems that span their lifecycle), Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), and programming languages, including one or more of the following: SysML, Cameo, MATLAB, Python, Simulink, STK, C++, VBA, SolidWorks, or similar

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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.