About the role#
The Propulsion Science Department is seeking a Chemical Propulsion Graduate Intern to support national security and civil space programs. You will work within our Physical Sciences Laboratories, which house over 150 specialized facilities for testing and troubleshooting rocket and satellite systems. This role focuses on the development, test, and application of chemical propulsion technologies, ranging from technology proof-of-concept to anomaly resolution for systems currently in service.
What you'll do#
- Lead and execute advanced propulsion research, often starting experimental efforts from the ground up.
- Execute experiments safely within our existing research facilities and laboratories.
- Conduct research in areas including booster-class liquid-propellant rocket engines, in-space chemical propulsion, solid rocket motors, detonation-based propulsion, and ordnance.
- Analyze propellant chemistry, material compatibility, and combustion diagnostics.
What you'll need#
- Currently enrolled full-time in a Master's or Ph.D. program for Aerospace, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering.
- Undergraduate degree completed by the internship start date.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Availability to work full-time on-site for at least 10 weeks, with the ability to return to your degree program afterward.
- Coursework in propulsion, combustion, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and chemistry.
- Experience supporting laboratory test operations and familiarity with safety protocols.
- Familiarity with tools such as MATLAB, SolidWorks, Python, LabVIEW, and technical report writing.
- Legal authorization to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.
- Submission of transcripts is required.
Location & details#
- Location: El Segundo, California.
- Term: Summer 2027.
- Modality: Full-time, on-site.
- Compensation: Paid internship ($32.00 - $38.00 per hour).
About The Aerospace Corporation
The Aerospace Corporation operates as a nonprofit organization focused on space research and technology. Founded in 1960, the company provides technical expertise for national space programs and national security systems. It maintains a workforce of over 5,000 employees across offices in Virginia and California. The firm specializes in areas including launch vehicles, artificial intelligence, and space policy.
How to get in at The Aerospace Corporation
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