About the role#
The Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics Department provides flight mechanics expertise for cislunar missions, multi-objective trajectory sequence generation, and trans-atmospheric modeling. As a graduate intern, you will join an interdisciplinary team to solve complex problems for defense, intelligence, civil, and commercial customers. This role covers the full project lifecycle, from initial concept and architecture design to performance assessment.
What you'll do#
- Develop and apply techniques to solve flight mechanics and astrodynamics challenges.
- Perform trajectory simulation and multi-objective performance optimization for spacecraft, constellations, missiles, and reentry vehicles.
- Analyze multi-objective combinatorial optimization and sequential decision-making problems.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams on ongoing research and technical programs.
- Execute prescribed scientific and engineering tasks using standard procedures.
- Support projects from initial inception through launch.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a Master’s or PhD program in aeronautical or astronautical engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or a related field.
- Completion of an undergraduate degree by the internship start date.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Graduate-level coursework or research in orbital mechanics, optimal control, flight mechanics, or trajectory modeling.
- Proficiency in at least one programming language, such as 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 and the ability to return to your degree program afterward.
- U.S. citizenship, as you must be able to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
Location & details#
- Term: Summer 2027.
- Modality: Full-time, on-site.
- Locations: El Segundo, CA; Chantilly, VA; Colorado Springs, CO; or Albuquerque, NM.
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.
