About the role#
The Photonics Technology Department is seeking an undergraduate intern for the Summer 2027 term. You will join an interdisciplinary team focused on research and development in radio frequency photonics, photonic integrated circuits, quantum photonics, and fabrication techniques. This position is based in El Segundo, California, and requires full-time, on-site work for a minimum of 10 weeks.
What you'll do#
- Participate in ongoing laboratory and theoretical research focused on advanced photonic technologies.
- Apply standard and novel techniques to carry out scientific, engineering, and computational tasks, including device characterization and system simulations.
- Develop new methods for analyzing advanced photonic systems.
- Present research results to management and colleagues.
- Interact with and learn from senior technical staff.
What you'll need#
- Currently enrolled full-time in a Bachelor's degree program for Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Quantum Science, Optics, or a related field.
- Sophomore class standing or higher by the start of the internship.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Proficiency in scientific programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or Mathematica.
- Completed coursework in basic electrical engineering and physics principles.
- Ability to work full-time for at least 10 weeks and return to school full-time afterward.
- U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
Preferred qualifications include a GPA of 3.5 or higher, an active security clearance, and experience with simulation software like Lumerical, HFSS, or Comsol. Familiarity with Claude Code and prior experience with independent research projects are also beneficial.
Location & details#
- Location: El Segundo, California
- Modality: On-site
- Term: Summer 2027
- Employment: Full-time
- Compensation: $26.00 - $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
Applying early to The Aerospace Corporation gives you a distinct advantage because recruiters review applications before the volume becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, ensuring you are among the first to submit your materials. This proactive approach helps you stay ahead of the crowd when positions open. You can also improve your response rates by reaching out to the people actually managing the hiring process. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the roles at The Aerospace Corporation, allowing you to contact them directly to ask about the position or a potential referral. This direct connection often proves more effective than submitting your resume into a general queue.
