2024 Embedded and Specialized Computing Undergrad Intern

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

Job Summary

Apply here to utilize your hands-on skills with embedded software, hardware design, FPGA development, or embedded security to demonstrate new space capabilities! Candidates with any experience in embedded design are encouraged to apply – candidates are not required to be experts in all department topic areas.

Specifically, the Aerospace Embedded & Specialized Computing Department is looking for a motivated embedded engineering intern interested in building innovative software and hardware prototypes. These prototypes and the associated lessons learned are used to make recommendations for government missions in the areas of rapid electronics prototyping, accelerated & resilient computing, and spacecraft security. In this research and prototype focused role, you will join a team that specializes in embedded implementation for specialized space-based sensors. Example projects might include hw/sw implementation for hardware accelerators, benchmarking specialized processors/algorithms, integration of cryptographic hardware, or work toward on-orbit demonstration.

Work Model:

This position can be hybrid with some work remote and some performed in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA.

What You Will Be Doing

As part of our research-oriented team, interns and full-time employees work together to find a project of mutual interest. A variety of impactful high-priority research and prototyping projects are available to choose from, potentially including, but not limited to

• Design and build embedded prototypes to demonstrate new concepts for specialized compute capabilities in space (AI at the edge, security, specialized sensors, distributed orchestration).
• Implement or integrate existing sensors on satellite or cubesat platforms.
• Bring cloud DevSecOps principles and lightweight Linux security methodology to distributed constellations of space satellites.
• Leverage expertise of embedded architecture and design to recommend best practices for government programs.
• Integrate novel sensing with neuromorphic compute engines for use onboard satellite or cubesat platforms.
• Proactively interact with customers by presenting project status, technical findings, and technical demonstrations. 
• Keep informed of the latest products and industry trends through paid attendance of industry and academic trainings and conferences pushing forward global computer engineering trends
• Constantly learn and grow through new work opportunities, trainings, and mentorship from experienced staff.

What You Need To Be Successful

• Currently enrolled fulltime in an accredited college/university program pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or other related disciplines.
• Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a degree program full-time after completion of the internship. 
• Familiar with embedded design, discrete logic design (HDL including Verilog or VHDL), or both
• Familiar with programming languages such as C/C++/Rust/Go/Python and embedded system environments such as Xilinx Zynq/Microblaze, ARM, Intel NIOS, or RISC-V. 
• Interest in learning more about: discrete logic and digital signal processing, design platforms for embedded systems (e.g. Yocto, PetaLinux, etc), achieving high performance with SWaP-constrained hardware, artificial intelligence / machine learning, and/or spacecraft error detection and failure mitigation techniques.
• Proficient with version control and practiced with documentation.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Transcripts required

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Coursework, internship experience, or certification relating to: (●) Artificial Intelligence and high performance computing, (●) novel compute architectures and parallel processing, (●) cybersecurity fundamentals and embedded security, (●) DevSecOps principles: Helm/Kubernetes and Docker, SAST/DAST, and automated test tooling, (●) experience with HLS or FPGA IP integration platforms like Quartus Platform Designer or Xilinx Vitis AI, (●) working knowledge of hardware interfaces such I2C, SPI, GPIO, UART, PCIe, etc.
• Extracurricular projects or activities relating to novel hardware architecture or software algorithms
• GPA of 3.5 or higher  
• Active security clearance 

Temporary housing assistance is not available. 

The Aerospace Corporation is a proud member of Space Workforce 2030, a growing coalition of leading space companies committed to collaboratively working toward a shared vision of expanding and diversifying opportunities for talent to join the exciting space industry. As part of this commitment, the Space Workforce 2030 companies have pledged to increase the number of females, diverse employees, and interns with a goal to hire at least 3,000 interns by the summer of 2030. Click here to learn more and register for the National Space Intern program. 

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. 

(Min - Mid - Max)

$25.00 - $26.00 - $27.00

Pay Basis: Hourly

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.