2025 Space Enterprise Design and Optimization 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 Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Graduate Intern for Space Enterprise Design and Optimization Department in

Are you excited about applying innovative optimization and analysis techniques to problems of national importance? If so, consider joining the Space Enterprise Design and Optimization Department (SEDOD) at The Aerospace Corporation. We bring to bear expertise in a wide variety of fields including orbital mechanics, optimization, operations research, and mathematics to tackle tough problems and explore novel ideas, directly impacting the future of the space enterprise. We are searching for engineers, mathematicians, and scientists to join our department of highly skilled technical specialists. Spend a summer with us and become a part of a culture that promotes innovation, growth, and technical excellence!

SEDOD is part of the Systems Engineering Division (SED). The Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges.

As a part of SEDOD and SED, you will be providing technical capabilities to support our customers in the analysis and design of current and future space system architectures. You will contribute to multiple focus areas of the department, which include constellation and space architecture design, trade-space exploration, space enterprise and ground network optimization, spacecraft mission design, and performance forecasting. You will work both independently as well as a part of broader department teams to conduct technical deep dives, trade studies, and assessments to satisfy project objectives and tasks.

Work Model

This position will be located 100% onsite in either El Segundo, CA, Chantilly, VA, or Colorado Springs, CO.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Work closely with Aerospace technical staff to develop, mature, and use analysis software tools for a range of modeling, simulation, and analysis in the areas described above
• Interact directly with local Aerospace personnel and collaborate with Aerospace personnel in other locations
• Perform tasking that will vary during the internship and may include multiple, simultaneous projects
• Be trained and mentored by full-time staff members across the company

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Currently enrolled full time in an accredited college/university degree program pursuing a Master’s or Ph. D. in Aerospace, Astronautical, or Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Operations Research, Mathematics, or a related discipline
• 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.
• Proficiency in one or more of the following computer languages/tools: C, C++, Fortran, Java, Matlab, Python, Simulink
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Demonstrated ability to work well independently and in teams
• The ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US Government. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
• Transcripts are required

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Research or professional experience working as a member of a technical team
• Coursework or relevant experience in technical writing and technical presentation
• Coursework or relevant experience in modern software development, integration, and testing practices
• Coursework or relevant experience in astrodynamics/orbital mechanics topics
• Coursework or relevant experience in space-based modeling, simulation, and analysis, such as space mission analysis and design, algorithm design, and/or mathematical modeling
• Coursework or relevant experience in advanced mathematical topics, such as optimization theory, game theory, statistical estimation, and numerical analysis
• Prior space-related work experience for a US government agency or contractor
• Current and active Top-Secret Clearance (TS) with SCI access

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 - Max)

$32.00 - $48.00

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.