About the role#
The Vehicle and Ground Implementation Department (VGID) within the Systems Engineering Division supports the acquisition of spacecraft and ground systems for the U.S. Space Force, NASA, NOAA, and other customers. This internship offers graduate students the opportunity to contribute to design studies and technical modeling while working alongside subject matter experts.
What you'll do#
- Lead and support space vehicle and ground design studies, ranging from individual tasks to large multidisciplinary team efforts.
- Develop, maintain, and improve design tools and models used for spacecraft analysis.
- Operate and maintain prototyping hardware and equipment in the RAPID Center.
- Participate in steering group meetings to support the future development of the center.
- Collaborate with VGID staff, program office personnel, and fellow interns.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in an accredited graduate program (Master's or Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Availability to work full-time on-site for at least 10 weeks, with the ability to return to a full-time degree program afterward.
- U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
- Proficiency in MS Office and experience with modeling, simulation, or programming (e.g., MATLAB, Python, Simulink, STK, C++, VBA, SolidWorks, or Cameo).
- Strong communication and leadership skills, with demonstrated personal initiative.
- Relevant coursework in spacecraft subsystems, systems engineering, or related technical topics.
- An active security clearance is preferred.
Location & details#
- Locations: El Segundo, California or Chantilly, Virginia.
- Work modality: On-site.
- Employment type: Full-time.
- Compensation: $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
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.
