2024 Structures Systems Graduate 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.

The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

The Structures Department is seeking a well-qualified individual with a strong foundation in solid mechanics, practical experience in structural analysis using both hand calculations and finite element analysis techniques, a passion for the space industry, and a desire to apply their expertise to help solve a variety of technical challenges. The Structural Systems Section is responsible for assessing the structural integrity of launch and space vehicle pressurized hardware. This section is also responsible for advanced concepts and technology development including advanced finite element analysis, fracture mechanics, additive manufacturing, multifunctional structures, and structural health monitoring.

Work Model:

100% onsite in El Segundo, Ca

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Graduate intern will be working in the Structures Department researching additive manufacturing (AM) materials: microstructure, material properties and fatigue behavior modelling with multiscale multi-physics simulation in a multidisciplinary team
• Resolve design and test issues/anomalies/challenges via detailed structural analysis
• Offer technical consultation to management, customers, contractors, and government organizations in formulating and assessing test plans, procedures, objectives, and success criteria
• Develop and assess design and analysis criteria, requirements, and specifications for launch and space vehicle structures
• Contribute to the development and execution of test programs for development, qualification, and acceptance of structures
• Improve agility of the mission assurance process in assessing the structural integrity and survivability of space and launch structures
• Maintain state-of-the-art skills in activities related to design, evaluation, and testing of space and launch structures. Skills include expertise in structural mechanics analysis techniques, failure criteria, composite design criteria, fracture and fatigue, damage tolerance, and advanced finite element analysis methods
• Communicate with both inter-organizational personnel, program offices and customers when necessary to scope, plan and resolve technical issues
• Coordinate with technical experts at the contractors to address concerns
• Work within interdisciplinary teams to address cross-disciplinary issues
• Keep management and customers informed of emerging risks

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Currently enrolled fulltime in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Master's or PhD degree in aerospace, astronautical, or mechanical engineering, physics, operations research, mathematics, or related discipline
• Senior class standing, or undergraduate degree completed by internship start date 
• 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.
• Minimum GPA 3.0
• Relevant coursework in structural analysis including finite element methodology
• Skills surrounding multiscale structural analysis to model metallic material microstructures and properties
• Willingness to occasionally travel domestically/internationally to work off-business hours to support customer needs
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. 

How You Can Stand Out 

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

• Interest in gaining knowledge in advanced solid mechanics topics including nonlinear finite element analysis, plasticity, fracture and fatigue, metallic and composite failure mechanics, bonded and bolted joints, and structural stability
• Experience with thermal and structural finite element analysis in commercial software such as ANSYS or Abaqus or NASTAN
• Familiarity with crystal plasticity codes such as Abaqus user subroutine, DAMASK, and PRISMS is strongly desired
• Records on publishing technical paper or delivering conference presentation on crystal plasticity analysis
• Experience in C/C++ programming, building and deploying large open source finite element code on Linux system
• Knowledge in the design, structural analysis, and test of pressurized hardware
• Demonstrated ability to independently work technical assignments
• Knowledge in correlating finite element model predictions to test results

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)

$28.00 - $30.00 - $35.00

Pay Basis: Hourly

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

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.