2025 Software Systems Engineer and Acquisition 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.

Do cool work that matters in an industry that’s booming! Come work for The Aerospace Corporation, the non-profit Federally Funded Research and Development Center supporting the entire space enterprise.

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Software Systems Engineer and Acquisition Undergrad Intern to join our growing team in the Software Systems and Acquisition Department within the Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD).  This position will be located at in Chantilly, VA.

Job Summary

ISCD staff members couple the latest in information system technologies, such as elastic compute clouds, containerization, microservices, real-time operating systems, and visualization frameworks, with expertise in cyber security, software architecture, software engineering, data science, Artificial Intelligence, process improvement, and software development to deliver responsive, resilient, high-performance software intensive systems to our Intelligence Community, DoD, and civilian customers.

These customers include the USSF, USAF, NASA, NOAA, other federal agencies, and commercial industry who need your help to acquire systems with cutting-edge software capabilities to adapt to the evolving technology landscape!

Work Model: 

This position will be located 100% onsite in Chantilly, VA.  Some remote work may be possible. Some overnight travel may be required.

What You'll Be Doing

• Appling standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of prescribed scientific and/or engineering tasks.

• Participating with an interdisciplinary team in ongoing research or technical programs with academic collaboration partners

• Participating in engineering studies, performance assessments, and/or market research

• Researching challenge problems, testing hypotheses, prototyping new approaches, and/or proving concepts

• Preparing and presenting technical information to disseminate findings, guidance, and technical information to a broad audience.

• Training and mentorship will be provided.

• Some travel may be required.

What You Need to Be Successful

• Enrolled full time and pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer/Electrical Engineering, or closely related technical discipline.

• Sophomore class standing 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 of 3.0   

• Some experience in developing software systems using modern methodologies, including DevSecOps software development or Agile project management.

• Experience with Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)

• This position requires 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.

• Transcripts required for this position.

How You Can Stand Out

• GPA 3.5 or higher

• Active security clearance

• Active or recent security clearance and ability to obtain and maintain SCI access.

• Some experience in at least one of the following: federal government acquisition programs, agile development methods, MBSE/digital engineering, software processes/metrics/quality, software process improvement

• Current certification in one or more relevant technologies (e.g., Scrum Master, Product Owner, Scaled Agile Framework, cloud architect, etc.) with corresponding experience.

• Government or commercial space operations experience

• Familiarity with acquisition policies; space systems, and/or space technologies

Temporary housing assistance is not available.   

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)

$25.00 - $30.00

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.