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 efforts. You will work on projects ranging from short-turnaround prototypes to space-based programs. Your contributions will influence government acquisition decisions and the development of sensing capabilities for national defense.
What you'll do#
- Support the design, modeling, and analysis of passive electro-optical airborne and space-based remote sensing systems using standard ray tracing tools.
- Assist in evaluating infrared sensor performance theoretically and experimentally for long-range acquisition.
- Conduct data analysis and scripting tasks using MATLAB or Python.
- Participate in laboratory activities including assembly, alignment, and testing of electro-optical sensors.
- Support radiometric analysis and optical performance metric calculations.
- Collaborate with cross-disciplinary engineering teams in a concurrent engineering environment.
- Assist in preparing technical documentation, presentations, and reports for government customers.
What you'll need#
- Currently enrolled full-time in a Bachelor's degree program in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Availability to work full-time for at least 10 weeks outside of the university term and the ability to return to your degree program afterward.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Strong computer programming skills in MATLAB or Python.
- Coursework or project experience in optical systems, remote sensing, or electro-optical engineering.
- U.S. citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
- Submission of transcripts is required.
- Preferred qualifications include a GPA of 3.5 or higher, an active security clearance, and experience with optical design, radiometry, infrared systems, or ray tracing software like CodeV, Zemax, or FRED.
Location & details#
- This position is located in El Segundo, California.
- The role is 100% on-site.
- This is a full-time internship with a pay range of $25.00 to $30.00 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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