About the role#
The Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics Department provides flight mechanics expertise for cislunar space, trajectory sequence generation, facility location optimization, and trans-atmospheric modeling. As a graduate intern, you will join an interdisciplinary team to provide technical solutions for customer needs across defense, intelligence, civil, and commercial sectors. This role involves supporting research and development while working on projects that span from initial concept to launch.
What you'll do#
- Develop and apply advanced techniques for solving flight mechanics and astrodynamics problems.
- Perform trajectory simulation and multi-objective performance optimization for constellations, spacecraft, missiles, and reentry vehicles.
- Analyze multi-objective combinatorial optimization and sequential decision-making problems.
- Participate in ongoing research or technical programs with academic partners.
- Apply standard engineering procedures to complete scientific and technical tasks.
- Collaborate with engineering partners to provide integrated solutions for complex problems.
What you'll need#
- Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited Master’s or PhD program in aeronautical/astronautical engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or a related field.
- Undergraduate degree completed by the start of the internship.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Graduate-level coursework or research experience in orbital mechanics, optimal control, flight mechanics, or trajectory modeling and simulation.
- Proficiency in at least one programming language: Python, C/C++, Fortran, or MATLAB.
- Experience with software design, development, unit testing, and integration.
- Availability to work full-time for at least 10 weeks, with the ability to return to your degree program afterward.
- U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
- Submission of academic transcripts.
Location & details#
- Locations: El Segundo, CA; Chantilly, VA; Colorado Springs, CO; Albuquerque, NM.
- Modality: On-site.
- Term: Rolling.
- 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
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