2025 Communication Systems 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 an Undergraduate/Graduate-level Communication Systems Intern for an opportunity located in El Segundo, California.   

  

Job Summary

The Communication Technologies and Engineering Division (CTED) represents the disciplines of communications, networking, and PNT (Position, Navigation, and Timing) in support of space missions, along with their enabling technologies. In our domain, CTED projects comprise all aspects, from architectures to prototypes to implementation, theoretical to hands-on.  Our engineers work directly with corporate and U.S. Government customers to ensure robust and resilient communications.

The Communication Payload, Command & Telemetry Department (CPCTD) provides technical leadership and expertise in the areas of space communication payloads, navigation payloads, and telemetry, tracking and commanding systems as we as their ground counterparts.  CPCTD supports Space and Missile Systems Center, National Reconnaissance Office, other US Government, and Civil Systems Group customers in communications and navigation for space and terrestrial communications systems.

  

Work Model:

This position will be located 100% onsite in El Segundo, California 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Support quick-turnaround conceptual design and advanced architecture studies for various government, civil and commercial communication and navigation systems

• Research cutting edge communication system and technology to enhance product features, reliability, and performance

• Support communication system and link analyses, detailed system hardware architecture trade studies and technology evaluations

• Apply communication theory to program models and simulate communication links

• Support configuration set-up and testing of communication subsystems in a laboratory setting.

• Document work products in briefings and/or technical reports to customers and colleagues

• Participate with interdisciplinary teams in ongoing research or technical programs with academic collaboration partners   

What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring 

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Must work well in a team environment. 

• Possess organizational, time management and project management skills. 

• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need. 

• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations. 

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:  

• Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing either Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Communications or Optical Communications or related discipline.

• Junior 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 after completion of the internship.  Minimum GPA of 3.0.  Transcripts required 

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

• Familiarity with one or more of the following programming languages: C, C++, Java, Python and MATLAB

• Familiarity with laboratory tools such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, spectrum analyzers, and multi-meters

• 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:  

• GPA 3.5 or higher

• Active TS/SCI clearance

• RF or optical communications experience beyond class work.

• Knowledge of link budgets, ground and/or space communication systems, communication architectures.

• Military or operational satellite communications experience.  

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)

$30.00 - $32.00

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.