2027 Systems of Systems/Portfolio Analysis Undergraduate 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 Aerospace Corporation is hiring an undergraduate Intern for an opportunity located in Colorado Springs, CO; El Segundo, CA; or Chantilly, VA.

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 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-enabled mission effects.

As part of the Enterprise Design Subdivision (EDS), the Portfolio Analysis Department (PAD) drives responsive and comprehensive trades in customer portfolios. Working closely with corporate program offices PAD delivers portfolio decision insights that expand options for senior leaders and accelerates delivery of end effects. PAD integrates expertise, system analysis and design capabilities from across the corporation.

Work Model:

The candidate selected will work full time on-site in Colorado Springs, CO; El Segundo, CA; or Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Provide engineering and analytical support to government customers in the area of portfolio management and system-of-systems engineering
• Interact directly with Aerospace program office personnel as well as government customers
• Support the deployment or implementation of existing Aerospace tools and frameworks with government customers
• Identify new capabilities and enhancements to current capabilities that will better support the customer base
• Initiate studies designed to solve new technical problems and provide new technical solutions
• Take initiative to inform management of perceived technical problems and recommend courses of action
• Collaborate with and work on cross-organizational teams
• Occasional travel may be required

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 
• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need 
• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations 

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Currently enrolled fulltime in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, physics or related discipline  
• Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a degree program full-time after completion of the internship.
• Junior class standing completed by internship start date 
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
• Ability to function in multi-disciplinary systems engineering and/or program management environments
• Coursework or research experience in system architecting activities
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US 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 one or more of these: 

• Active security clearance 
• Strong knowledge of systems-of-systems (SoS) engineering and architecting and model-based system engineering (MBSE) discipline, literature, tools, and processes
• Coursework or research experience in broad, multidisciplinary teams involving system design, acquisition and/or operations in one or more of the following areas: satellite systems, ground systems, launch systems, spacecraft buses, and spacecraft payloads
• Prior experience with related Aerospace architecting and design capabilities (Concurrent Design Center, Portfolio Decision Support Tool, various performance, cost, and risk analysis tools, etc.)

Temporary housing assistance is not available.

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)

$26.00 - $30.00

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.