About the role#
The Integrated Sensor Design and Analysis Department develops remote sensing systems for national security and defense customers. As an intern, you will support optical system design, analysis, and testing for space programs. You will work on projects ranging from short-turnaround prototypes to Class A satellites, collaborating with teams to ensure mission requirements are met. This role involves evaluating systems from optical, thermal, and structural perspectives within a concurrent engineering environment.
What you'll do#
- Design, model, and analyze passive electro-optical airborne and space-based remote sensing systems using ray tracing tools.
- Evaluate infrared sensor performance through theoretical and experimental methods.
- Use MATLAB, Python, or similar tools to perform data analysis and scripting tasks.
- Participate in laboratory work, including the assembly, alignment, and testing of electro-optical sensors.
- Support radiometric analysis and calculate optical performance metrics.
- Collaborate with cross-disciplinary engineering teams.
- Prepare technical documentation, presentations, and reports for government customers.
What you'll need#
- Current full-time enrollment in a master's or PhD program in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Ability to work full-time for at least 10 weeks and return to your degree program afterward.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Strong programming skills in MATLAB or Python.
- Academic or project experience in optical systems, remote sensing, or electro-optical engineering.
- Coursework or research experience in optical design, radiometry, or infrared systems.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to work well in a team.
- Organizational, time management, and project management skills.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing organizational needs.
Preferred qualifications include a GPA of 3.5 or higher, an active security clearance, familiarity with ray tracing software like CodeV or Zemax, experience with spectral analysis or imaging systems, and hands-on laboratory experience.
Location & details#
- Location: El Segundo, California.
- Work Modality: 100% on-site.
- Employment Type: Full-time.
- Compensation: $32.00 to $35.00 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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