2027 Space Enterprise Design and Optimization 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.

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.

The Space Enterprise Design and Optimization Department (SEDOD) is in EED’s Enterprise Design Subdivision (EDS). We bring to bear expertise in astrodynamics and multi-objective optimization to tackle tough problems and explore novel ideas, focusing on the design, modeling, analysis, and optimization of orbits, mission architectures, and acquisition portfolios to inform the future of the national space enterprise. 

As a part of SEDOD and EED, you will be providing technical expertise to support our customers in the analysis and design of current and future space system architectures. You will contribute to multiple focus areas of the department, including constellation and space architecture design, orbit tradespace exploration, space enterprise and ground network optimization, spacecraft mission design, and portfolio decision support. You will work both independently as well as a part of broader department teams to conduct technical deep dives, trade studies, and assessments to satisfy project objectives and tasks.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA; Chantilly, VA; or Colorado Springs, CO, offering an in-person work model that combines 4 or more regular onsite workdays per week and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.   

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop and apply your technical skills to real-world problems in constellation design, multi-objective optimization, and astrodynamics for customers across the national space enterprise, including the United States Space Force (USSF), Intelligence Community (IC), NASA, NOAA, and more
• Work closely with Aerospace technical staff to develop, mature, and use analysis software tools for a range of modeling and simulation tasks, including technical deep dives, trade studies, and performance assessments in department focus areas 
• Develop and present timely and technically accurate presentations and reports that clearly communicate analysis results and provide recommended solutions to technical leads, management, and customers 
• Collaborate with Aerospace personnel across multiple locations
• Perform tasking that will vary during the internship and includes multiple, simultaneous projects
• Be trained and mentored by full-time staff members across the company

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Enrolled full time or accepted at an accredited college/university degree program pursuing a Master’s or Ph. D. in aerospace, astronautical, or mechanical engineering, physics, operations research, mathematics, or a related field of science or engineering
• Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a  Master's or Ph.D. degree program after completion of the internship.
• Coursework or relevant experience in astrodynamics/orbital mechanics topics and space-based modeling, simulation, and analysis, such as space mission analysis and design, constellation access modeling, algorithm design, and/or mathematical modeling
• Proficiency in one or more of the following computer languages/tools: Python, MATLAB, C, C++
• Demonstrated ability to work well independently and in teams
• The ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US Government. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
• Transcripts required for this position

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Research or professional experience leading or working as a member of a technical team in the areas described above
• Prior space-related work experience for a US government agency or contractor
• Prior experience with related Aerospace Corporation modeling and simulation tools, including SOAP, GRIPS, Revisit, and more
• Familiarity with one of these specific national security space or intelligence mission areas: geo-spatial intelligence, signals intelligence, missile warning/tracking/defense, space surveillance, space protection, or satellite communication networks 
• Coursework or relevant experience in advanced mathematical topics, such as optimization theory, game theory, statistical estimation, and numerical analysis
• Coursework or relevant experience in modern software development, integration, and testing practices
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to changing priorities, and balance projects with conflicting time demands
• Current and active Top Secret/SCI clearance with a CI polygraph

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.