2025 Guidance, Navigation, and Controls Undergraduate 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, and 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 Guidance Analysis Department of The Aerospace Corporation is seeking an Undergraduate Guidance, Navigation and Controls (GNC) Intern. The intern will support analysis of guidance, navigation, and/or control systems for launch vehicles (“rockets”).

Work Model:
This position is 100% onsite and and will be based in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Performing engineering analyses of launch and upper-stage vehicle guidance and navigation systems, including the performance of guidance algorithms and use of inertial systems, GPS, and other sensors

• Performing trajectory studies and conduct error and orbital perturbation analyses

• Performing statistical analyses of launch vehicle trajectories, vehicle maneuvers, and targeting accuracy

• Developing mathematical models and high-fidelity computational simulations of launch vehicles from fundamental principles of dynamics and physics

• Developing computational tools to analyze the performance of launch vehicle guidance and navigation systems

• Aiding in the assessment of controls system performance of launch vehicle systems

• Developing and maintaining specialized controls tools in the time and frequency domains to aid controls analysis

• Supporting multiple programs and work both independently and with interdisciplinary teams

• Verifying contractor designs, approaches, and overall system performance

• Studying and evaluating current and future launch vehicle GNC system designs and algorithms

• Preparing technical reports and briefings to be presented to other analysts and management

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Current sophomore or junior working on Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent

• Some knowledge of one or more of the following: control systems, kinematics/dynamics, flight dynamics, orbital mechanics, or guidance and navigation of aerospace vehicles

• Some experience with modeling and simulations for dynamic systems

• Some knowledge of statistical methods and analyses

• Proficiency with some of the following tools: Python, MATLAB, C++, Fortran

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Must work well both independently and in a team environment

• Must possess strong organizational, time management and project management skills

• Demonstrated flexibility and ability to adapt to changing needs

• Effective interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with team members

• Demonstrates behavior that is consistent with the company’s values of Dedication to Mission Success, Technical Excellence, Commitment to Our People, Integrity and Objectivity

How You Can Stand Out

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

• GPA of 3.5 or higher

• Intermediate to advanced skills in some of the following: Unix/Linux, C++, Python, Matlab/Simulink, Fortran

• Some experience in Guidance, Navigation, Control Systems, Computer Engineering, or a related field

• Some experience with electronics, mechanical design, control systems, sensors, and actuators

• Experience in modeling and simulation of complex systems

• Demonstrated ability to provide innovative solutions to challenging technical problems

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)

$26.00 - $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.